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Military Ritual (a very aptly named, sort of sarcastic title as the suicide rate in the Russian army is very high) is Russia's Impakt's second album, showcasing some well played and carefully crafted Thrash Metal with all songs sung in their native Russian.

The band has built the basic foundation on American Thrash Metal added with some bits from later-era Kreator, with some striking and intriguing melodies. At times they take even a relatively progressive course which also brings in its own nice spices, making the songs sound a bit more unorthodox and definitely unique. Overall, I would say Impakt's music is thoroughly enjoyable although I don't know whether I can ever get used to the Russian language, which is not so much a complaint as a minor side note. It was also fun to hear the cover of Kreator's "Death to the World (off the Phantom Antichrist album)" such in Russian and paying a great homage to one of their main musical influences. Even the last instrumental track has a strong Kreator flavor to it, with some keyboard parts added in the background.

Overall, a pleasant surprise here. Russian-made Thrash Metal rules, dear folks! ;o)