As 2010 nears the home stretch, a brief retrospective reveals the last decade had a good fair share of once-forgotten old school music – this, mainly in the form of compilations and reunion shows. Not so frequent were new records by new bands that were convincing enough (or honest enough – if you prefer, though that’s sloppily vague) to persuade people into fully embracing all the changes the last twenty years have wrought on underground music. But, thankfully, there are bands worth sticking around for. One thing we may always count on is the guaranteed presence of a select talent to stoke the flames, and NOCTURNAL BLOOD is one such band. Having built a positive reputation through a healthy slew of demos, EPs and splits, it’s no surprise that a full-length should present itself. NOCTURNAL BLOOD is, in a way, like the American WITCHRIST (look them up if you’re not familiar!): cavernous, oppressive, haunting sounds, brutal and primitive CELTIC FROST-derived riffs – these ingredients form a masterful display of influence and inspiration. Metal up your ass! More info at www.thewrathofxhaos.com, www.hellsheadbangers.com