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Istengoat's MMXII is just a Black/Death blitzkrieg. It comes out of nowhere, at 100 miles an hour with "Pogrom" and is over a mere 12 minutes later with "Shiqus Shomem" and at no point is the intensity level anything less than ferocious. The vocals are an abusive Death bellow with the occasional rasp thrown in for good measure. Drummer C.I.R.R. rarely lets his foot off the gas (I get tired just listening) and the guitars squeal as if tortured. There's nothing particularly unique about any of the songs, but they are well written and played with such vicious determination, it is nearly impossible to avoid getting caught up in the swirl. MMXII is a short, sweet and very promising debut from Istengoat.

Note: reviewed is the 2013 7" vinyl Blood Harvest re-issue of the band's 2012 debut.