This is German metal punk, a filthy fury of aggression that I made first reference to on their ‘Raw Nights’ release. This is more gutter level than perhaps the more well-known sounds of a band like Midnight and not quite as dirty as modern Venom. For me personally many Russian bands like Mortal or even the Far East’s Military Shadow could have something of a similar stance. However, I feel it’s a touch more rooted in some death metal influences for some of the material and power with little post punk sound bites here and there to keep you guessing.

Karloff use atmosphere at the opening sermon, similar to what Reaper (Swe) did on their last effort; the resulting classic horror suspense that’s built is quickly shattered by ‘My Misanthropic Kingdom’. When it starts to kick off the only thing I would say that’s different from their two earlier releases is that this sounds more refined. Less dirty, remember I’m reviewing mp3’s so that could explain a bit and I suppose my only niggle; I’ll get an analogue version in the coming weeks though to be sure.

Further luscious tirades of anger come with ‘Superior Presence of Cruelty’ and the almost sing along ‘Violent Winter’. By now you should be hooked. You get the picture, nothing complex, nothing out of the box, it’s a sound and band that knows their craft and simply works, although many may argue and be sub-genre snobs, it’s dirty, aggressive and boils your blood. Quite a nice feeling for your mid-week blues!

(8/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/karloffpunk

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/karloff-the-appearing