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Maybe its the long winters, but the proliferation of 'super-groups' in Norway is rapidly becoming farcical. Thankfully, Zyklon is not another manifestation of some black metaller's eclectic ambitions, but rather a vicious outburst of musical hate. Nice.

Surprisingly perhaps, Hellhammer is not involved here. Instead the album features former Emperor members Samoth (or Zamoth, guitars & bass) and Trym (drums), along with Myrkskog guitarist Destructhor and Limbonic Art screamer Daemon. To complete the gallery of black metal notables, Garm (aka Trickster G aka whatever the hell else) makes a guest vocal appearance on one track, while Emperor's jailbird ex-drummer, Bard Faust Eithun, wrote the lyrics. The best musical reference point here would be Slayer t(h)rashing Emperor's "IX Equilibrium" material; so furious riffing at blistering speeds, carried along by Trym's incredible drumming is the order of the day here, with squealing solos and vocals delivered in a hoarse roar. This really is extreme music, and it takes a few listens to discern anything from the sonic mass. Some of the songwriting is quite excellent, but there are moments when it seems the band couldn't be bothered to write a good riff and instead tried to fill the gap with blastbeats. However, in general, Zyklon show a good understanding of dynamics and some nice subtle touches of melody. There is a lot of promise in this band, especially now its main members can devote themselves full-time to it after Emperor's demise. This is certainly not an album for anyone looking for subtlety, but makes a very entertaining listen for any metal fan with non-sensitive ears.