This is a split release between death metal barbarians Deception and the evil black metal horde Demonic Slaughter, both fromPoland. Presented in a real nice fold out digipack, the two bands have a fair bit of history behind them, the combination of styles is something that keeps interest alive and it also goes to show that there are similarities between both genres in terms of extremity and presentation.

Deception include a cover from Bathory’s second album with ‘The Rite of Darkness’, it is good to hear a different album being heralded for once, this is a decent indication of influences but it is certainly far removed from their own two tracks presented on this release. Sung in what is assumed to be their native tongue, ‘Zatracenie’ has the intensity and speed of blackened era-Behemoth, with a guttural vocal response from vocalist Deather that is decipherable and still provides a necessary level of extremity akin to some Vader tunes. Awash with thunderous drumming and some black metal association in their music, Deception ease into their second original track ‘Narodziny Poczatkiem Umierania’ and make a dramatic improvement that begins to introduce something that is a very tasty track arrangement and that is either something with character or a rusty nail to the head of your worst adversary as a result of a violent outcry.

Demonic Slaughter on the other hand are full on black metal, making no bones about it ‘Hooded Reaper’ sounds like Urgehal. They provide plenty of trademark chord augmentations backed with a really strong evil vocal delivery, although I don’t particularly like the monk chanting which maybe for effect, it just isn’t fitting for me. The guitar picking under the hammer blow rhythm section are typical of this style, they are executed with precision and fire in these Poles stomachs. As I did not really want this track to end it is fitting that ‘Continuous Self-Destruction’ is up next as it continues the level of self-achievement born by the opening tune. This is faster, more chaotic and this still makes Demonic Slaughter shine through over the black moon that rises when worshipping this dark art.

If I had to choose, Demonic Slaughter would win hands down, there is simply more of a black hearted spark, momentum is key in extreme death and black metal and whilst both bands deliver, one remains supreme by way of a more intense darker approach.

(7/10 Paul Maddison)

http://www.myspace.com/deception667

http://www.myspace.com/demonicslaughter