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Italian legends Necrodeath have been going strong since I first heard their debut, Into the Macabre, all the way back in 1987, and outside of a long hiatus in the '90s, they've been churning out their unique brand of vicious Black/Thrash ever since. This EP continues that long-standing tradition with three new cuts, along with a live recording and a cover, and it's clear that even over 30 years later, they haven't lost their touch at all.

The original songs are everything you've come to expect from the band: vicious, ravenous works of Black/Thrash mayhem supported by Flegias' bestial vocals, Peso's distinctive cowbell hits, Pier's Slayer-esque guitar work, complete with wicked riffs and melodic solos to spare, and a feel for conjuring a sinister and oppressive atmosphere like few modern bands can ever hope to have. The live cut of "Flame of Malignance" sounds like it would be a blisteringly fast and excellent rendition, but the mix on the recording is just too damn low and sucks the energy right out of it. The cover of the Dead Kennedy's song "California Uber Alles" sounds like an odd choice on paper, but the band is able to put their own spin on it to make it sound like a proper Necrodeath song.

With the rate the band has been pumping music out over the years, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a new full-length in the future. If it's anything like the studio tracks on here, it'll be well worth the wait, but for now, this is a solid EP that should tide the fans over until then.