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Despite the odd name (unless they mean something else by it, 'Yyrkoon' was Elric's cousin.) Yyrkoon are a very cool band. I just can't keep up with all the good stuff these days, but I'm glad this one crossed my path. This is a French band who don't play the raw Black Metal or Goregrind I expect, but rather a tasty flavor or thrashy Death Metal, and for their fourth full-length they don't deviate from the formula.

Unhealthy Opera (did they mean to call it Unholy Opera?) is a slamming riff-tastic affair not too far removed for more recent Behemoth offerings, but less blasty and more melodic. Yyrkoon definitely keep the horns up, and there is no scent of Gothenburger here, but just when you think things are a bit too brutal they break out a searing melodic lead or a slower, chunkier riff that leavens the aggression with some taste. This is much more Death than Thrash, but the flavor is there. Vocals are a harsh growl, not guttural but not really understandable either. These guys are really into Lovecraftian themes, and despite a language barrier the lyrics are not too bad – at least they aren't going on about their feelings.

This is nothing too original, but it is a quality disc from a solid band who never let up on the intensity. Fans of quality Death Metal should not overlook this.