Californian Power Thrashers TAUNTED have signed to the legendary label Mausoleum Records, and "9 Sins" is their 3rd album already. Without having a chance to hear the band’s two previous albums yet, "9 Sins" is surely my ticket to travel back in time, and try to find TAUNTED’s 2 previous albums for myself. I mean, this is some really passionately and skillfully played Metal, in which the main emphasis is on Thrash Metal. The band has a really good thing going on within their music, reminding me of bands like early SAVATAGE, NEVERMORE and TESTAMENT – and obviously due to these aforementioned comparisons, giving a justified go for your money too if you just happen to be a fan of any of those 3 aforementioned bands in question. I think I should highlight a few things on this record. The first is of course vocalist Jaques Serrano’s amazing use of his whole vocal range: from Rob Halford-ish angry screams (listen ‘Painkiller’) to Chuck Billy-esque bellowing grunts to a diabolical yet dramatic vocals of Warrel Dane. Jaques is a great singer, no doubt. Then, what needs to be highlighted a bit as well, is the fact how well the guys do work together as a single unit, like a well oiled machine indeed. TAUNTED’s powerfully thrashing and smoothly running Metal is enjoyable thoroughly to listen to, not dragging a bit but just offering some nice ear candies that this album’s got quite many actually. "9 Sins" is ended by the album’s longest tune, titled ‘Taunted 2’, which lasts over 10 minutes, and is also an extremely tastefully done track, clearly showing the band’s potential to compose more lengthy songs for their forthcoming releases. But anyways, overall "9 Sins" sincerely left an indelible impression on me – and I bet it might do same on you as well. Just try this to surprise yourself. Homepage: www.tauntedmusic.com, label: www.music-avenue.net/mausoleum