This formation, which emerged from the legendary Berlin based NECROS CHRISTOS, had already been highly praised for their “Angel Of The Eastern Gate” EP as well as for their furious debut “Sumerian Promises”, which was a little more oriented towards old MORBID ANGEL. So for album number two, “Helljjin Combat”, we are now dragging in a bucket full of honey for the beards of those involved – as the saying goes in Germany. Why? Well, because that’s how it goes with playing scratchy, torn-down old school Thrash’n’Death Metal that smells poison and sulphur and feels dangerous! Occasionally SIJJIN – the word describes something like the deepest point in hell – is reminiscent of “Altars Of Madness” and “Hell Awaits”, but all in all doing their very own thing. Characterized by the hollow scratchy voice of frontman Malte Gericke, songs as ‘Fear Of The Tormentor’ or ‘Death Opens The Grave’ place great emphasis on versatility and catchy riffing, but also switch to merciless demolition at the right moment or practice repetitive almost hypnotic passages. The immense amount of hearable joy and dedication with which the band rages through the songs and how Malte lets himself fall into his lyrics with his singing is also remarkable. Like in ‘Religious Insanity Denies Slavery’, which features cool incredible Bay-Area Thrash riffing in the beginning and allows to build a great contrast in combination with the monotonous voice, underlining the bigotry the song is about. Way more than on their EP and debut, the band has incorporated a snappy Rock’n’Roll drive like MOTÖRHEAD into the sound this time also, which further drives the versatility of SIJJIN to a new level. That gives songs like the playful ‘Horrific Distortions’ or ‘Dahkma Curse’ a few almost outrageously catchy, sometimes even groovy moments, which have a damn cool effect in the interplay with riffs and frenzy. Incidentally, you can be remembered a bit of good old Chuck Schuldiner in some guitar parts. “Helljjin Combat“ is an outstanding record, that once again shows that not everything is said and done in Death Metal yet. Go and try to get a copy on vinyl. Because of the old school thing, you know… www.facebook.com/sijjin-102605617799602, www.facebook.com/sepulchralvoicerecords