Ripping out of the earth from Norrkoping, Sweden hail LEPROSY or the Swedish language equivalent of this ungodly disease, SPETALSK. Recorded at Pure Dechristianizing Studios, Winter 2006, mixed and mastered by Magnus “Devo” Andersson of MARDUK fame, at Endarker Studios. This CD of the same title much to this listener’s disappointment, has the Metallers who fly this moniker’s banner, engaged in the traditions of Norway rather than those of South Florida. SPETALSK is Black Metal of course. Hungry, Christ hating, and unique enough in skill alone; as these musicians indeed are quite well versed with their instruments. However this is where the compliments end. The seven “songs” on this outing are all of the same tried and true (and nothing new…) brand of blitz fired clamour that I hate. Not to mention in the least bit, what lead guitar work there is here, all of it is so fucking helplessly buried in the final mix, makes me wonder if “Devo” was paying any real attention to this alleged mastering at all! The real travesty though, with SPETALSK, is the fact they bring nothing solely identifiable to the table. What is played here, again, is what any of you who listen to this genre have heard a million and one times over. This of course as you know easily chalks this band up as just another Black Metal act, instead of something special. So much so that SPETALSK honestly can be slotted next to any of the innumerous hordes, from anywhere across the globe, that call this style their own and you’d be hard pressed to tell one from another audibly. The songs presented here although played with more expertise than many in their scene, truly have no other redeeming qualities. No distinct value. No soul. Contact: www.myspace.com/spetalsk or info@unexplodedrecords.com or www.unexplodedrecords.com or Unexploded Records, Slattarodsvagan 18, 28020 Bjarnum Sweden.