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Ancient Death Metal craving dogs... rejoice! Old school sounding Death Metal has been making its massive comeback all around the world for many years, which has put the smile back on the faces of many Death Metal maniacs, no doubt. Finland has been a stronghold of this second Death Metal movement for years; clear evidences are out there, being sowed around the fertile Finnish underground Death Metal scene.

One of the true pioneers of Finnish Death Metal forces is unquestionably Purtenance; a band that released their debut album Member of Immortal Damnation on Spanish Drowned Productions (now Xtreem Music) in 1992, and then splitting up for 10 years shortly thereafter. In 2012, the tide was turned for Purtenance again. They were resurrected from the dark and cold grave by two of the original members, Juha Rannikko (on guitar) and Harri Saro (on drums), along with newcomers Ville for bass and vocals, and Ville N. for the second guitar. During the same year, Purtenance released a six-track EP titled Sacrifice the King on Xtreem Music, which unfortunately did not quite live up to the expectations people had for the comeback, raising some controversy. However, the band's second full-length studio album, Awaken from the Slumber, released at the beginning of October 2013, was a way better effort from them, taking a big leap into those dark and murky soundscapes that make Purtenance sound like Purtenance. People were happy again – and for good reason.

Now, after about two years, Purtenance unleash their third album, titled ...To Spread the Flame of Ancients, which sees the band delving even more into the pits of all-swallowing darkness; the world that makes many of us fear many things in it. This eleven song album is clearly their most well-crafted opus thus far. There are many slowly creeping, dark atmospheres being wrapped around these new songs, along with passionately raging, all barricades-breaking blast-beat sections that make Purtenance sound even more dangerous. And on top of all that, it's all done with true conviction and understanding of what ancient sounding Death Metal should be all about. I believe especially the fans of Abhorrence, Sadistic Intent, early Death, Rippikoulu and the likes will undoubtedly get some unseen pleasure and enjoyment out of Purtenance's best record yet. The album that has also exposed its huge claws for an ultimate ritualistic dismemberment, to earn its place among one of the best Death Metal releases this year. Great work guys! Keep the flame of the ancient ones alive and burning in the future too!