Destruktor - "Unholy Victory Massacre"

Probably the ideal choice for an opener, Destruktor absolutely typifies the Australian "war metal" style. Equal parts black, death and thrash metal, this relentless, militaristic onslaught is enough to beat even the most determined listener into the ground. An enjoyable band, in limited doses. (7/10)

Martire - "Puritans"

This band had impressed me with their _Lucifer_ 7" EP, and they crank out another devastating piece of suffocating death metal. The song is fast, complicated and mayhemic -- recommended to those who find Morbid Angel too clinical. (8/10)

Portal - "Tempus Fugit"

This song has a more muffled sound than the surrounding tracks, causing it to slip by unnoticed when I play the record. However, there is enough here to indicate that their upcoming _Seepia_ LP (also on Decius) will be worth the wait -- especially with a consistent production that the ears can adapt to over the course of an album. These West Australians play blasting death metal passages that are bound together by some atonal guitar leads, creating quite the menacing atmosphere. (7/10)

Atomizer - "When I Die, I Wanna Die Violently"

The black-rockin' sons of bitches from Melbourne provide a change of pace after the frenetic opening. Starting off with a very laid back riff and spoken vocals, the intensity gradually builds up as Jason applies his unique rasp to the casually suicidal lyrics. A superb song by a unique band. (9/10)

Urgrund - "On Stones Marked Black"

The Queensland black/thrash trio recently put out their first full-length album, and the track contained here indicates that they're going for a less caustic approach nowadays. The riffs are quite rock-oriented, and the rolling bass drums contribute to the catchy feel. In fact, this is not far different from what Atomizer has to offer. If you mourn Carpathian Forest's recent movement towards typical symphonic blandness, this band may satisfy your black 'n' roll needs. (8/10)

Carbon - "Battle at San Gerbir"

While the other bands on this compilation do a lot of crossing over between the extreme metal subgenres, Carbon presents a slab of pure black metal. Noisy guitars, distant screams and primitivity abound. While far from groundbreaking, this song does have a strong atmosphere and Carbon will be welcomed by those who yearn for the early days of Darkthrone. (7/10)

Grenade - "Hellsong"

The title says it all, really -- this black/thrash is direct and to the point. Low on complexity, high on catchiness and spirit, this can't help but get heads bobbing and feet stamping. Play it loud, and enjoy! (8/10)

Oni - "Incantation Superstition"

Brutal death/grind metal to the core -- they even kept alive the habit of using as many words ending in -tion as they could. All the prerequisites are there: strong drumming, loads of technical riff changes and primate grunts with the odd porcine shriek. It's all good fun, but a whole album in this style would get tiresome. (6/10)

Stargazer - "Magikkan"

Now this is more my kind of death metal. Stargazer have a somewhat exotic, mid-eastern feel to their music (though not conveyed through sampling like Nile and their copycat brigade). The sound is a bit looser and more open-ended than that of their contemporaries, allowing the listener to totally immerse themselves in the bizarre melodies and punishing beat. Another fine recording by a criminally underrated band. (9/10)

Anarazel - "The Red Rite"

I hated the _Devil Hymns_ EP from these guys, so I was expecting a throwaway track. However, this Melbourne-based black metal band really seems to have gotten their act together. The noisy riffs are imperious, and the drumming is deadly. Finally, Anarazel look ready to produce albums of note. (7/10)

Misery's Omen - "To Worship Stone Gods"

If you've read my review of the 7" EP whence this track originated, you'll know how much I love this band. Playing bizarre, convoluted and creepy progressive black metal, somewhat comparable to Mortuary Drape or Bethlehem, this South Australian trio demands worldwide attention. (9/10)

As you can see, this compilation has the rare distinction of having no weak links -- certainly the first V/A album in my collection to be worthy of such a boast. Eleven bands, eleven songs, all worthy of attention, pressed onto a thick, heavy piece of black vinyl and lovingly presented in a sleeve adorned with wicked, violent artwork. Compilations really don't get any better than this one, so check it out.