Arditi mix industrial and neo-classical soundscapes with a strong militaristic feel, using only samples and synths. This martial component should by no means be played down here: it is at the very core of Arditi's compositions and sound. (As a side note, Arditi was the name given to some elite divisions of the Italian army during the first World War.) When the more militaristic approach relents for a while, it is usually replaced by a more apocalyptic tone, as in the leaden "The Absolute Essence" or the funereal "Veer and Perish", bringing welcome variety to the album. Overall, _Standards of Triumph_ succeeds not only in creating the compulsory dense atmosphere required for their musical objectives, but also in keeping the listener interested and immersed in their compositions, and should therefore provide a nice break from metal for most listeners.