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I thought Ninnghizhidda’s most recent disc "Demigod" was as awesome a slice of death metal as you were likely to hear, and so I jumped at the re-issue of their almost-impossible-to-find first CD like a bullsnake at a rat. "Blasphemy" was originally put out sometime back in 1999, and I find it hard to believe it didn’t make more of a stir.

I find it incomprehensible that crappy bands like Soilwork get their salad tossed all over the place, while fine bands like this go almost unnoticed. Ninnghizhidda are one of the most original and vicious death metal bands working today, with a symphonic and technical touch that raises them above the ordinary or simply brutal. They have taken death metal, twisted in some strands of keyboardy black metal and added a dash of the sprawling arrangements of more experimental death bands like Eternal Tears of Sorrow. The result is the most original and recognizable death metal sound I have ever heard. Ninnghizhidda write actual songs, not just four-minute double-bass blasts with shrieking. Even after a few listens you will start to remember songs and recognize them as songs. Not just "oh, this cool part, that cool part." But "Oh, this song is cool!"

I had expected this CD to be more primitive than the awesome "Demigod", but it really isn’t. "Blasphemy" is just as vicious and heavy as its successor, and every bit as cool and memorable. It’s even longer! High points include "Baphomet (In the Name of)", "The Horned Serpent" and "Ode to the Horned Majestie". But there are no filler or throwaway tracks here, and the album is enjoyable throughout.

I was expecting a digipack, but was pleased to get a nice jewel case. The cover art is cool, showing Satan pulling the soul out of a naked chick on the evilest altar you ever saw. Not as cool as the "Demigod" cover, but cool. The interior layout is OK, but only some of the lyrics are included. The ones that are here are really damned good, making me wish the rest were in here too.

I have nothing but praise for this band, and both "Blasphemy" and "Demigod" just rule as far as death metal is concerned. This is death metal with originality and class, which are becoming rare commodities in this particular genre. I’ve said Ninnghizhidda are a band to watch, and you’d better believe I’ll be watching.