After ten years in business the Czech Death Metal horde PANDEMIA unleash their third full-length album. Sadly their previous releases are unknown to me, but after listening to this output I really think I missed something! The nine songs (including two instrumentals) on “Riven” are truly great, if you call yourself a Death Metal fanatic. Mainly based on mid-tempo, they change from slow to fast and back again, PANDEMIA create an atmosphere that at times comes near to IMMOLATION. Some people may give the word “chaotic” a negative touch, but in this case it sounds just great. Hammering riff after riff in the void, just like an immense wall, then a break and again riff after riff, combined with rhythm changing. The second trademark of “Riven” is the sometimes quite melodious touch of the songs, which obviously remind of HATE ETERNAL or MORBID ANGEL on their last three releases. Above all reign the brutal vocals, which contribute to the brutal, yet evil mood. Due to the good production and the skills of the musicians the sound is a blast itself… so I see no reason why not going to www.pandemia-deathmetal.com and take a listen for yourself. Label contact www.metalage.sk