I wasn’t really aware of these guys before and certainly wouldn’t even have considered checking them out (first of all because of their rather weird band name, which – just like their lyrics – is probably also inspired by the ancient abysmal Babylonian and Sumerian deities) if I hadn’t received a free review copy from Bones Brigade. And man, what a killer act I would’ve missed out on then! NEFAS is a highly talented and rather steady three piece from sunny Italy, that has already been around since 1995 but still plays in the same line-up. They released their debut demo "He Was Born" in 1997, a mini CD ("Transfiguration To The Ancients Form") on Nuclear Abominations Records about two years later and a split mini CD with BASTARD SAINTS ("Ropes Above An Abyss Of Fury") on The Flood Records in 2001. According to their info sheet they originally played a very Swedish inspired form of fast’n’brutal Death Metal, but must’ve changed that somewhere on the way as this debut full length only allows one comparison in particular: the gods of unholy Death Metal, IMMOLATION! Yes, this is really as impressive, from the deep and brutal Ross Dolan like vocal delivery, to the twisted guitarwork up to the complex songwriting and overall very dark atmosphere – NEFAS really come rather close (in every aspect) to Yonkers finest! The production is perfect (not too clean, not too cheap or rehearsal like sounding), the cover art (courtesy of Poland’s Graal) amazing and the songs themselves somewhere in between "Dawn Of Possession" and "Here In After", but still too good to be labeled a poor rip off!! NEFAS is brutal, blasphemous and complex, but always right into your face and therefore a highly dangerous, uprising force in the international Death Metal underground! Beware! Band contacts: nefas_xul@yahoo.it or nafas1@infinito.it, http://come.to/nefas The label’s website is: www.bonesbrigaderecords.com