Australian metal punks come at you with their debut release. Expect a nod to Hellhammer, China’s Military Shadow and primitive early noise in general from both Germany and the UK. The PR material states “hellhammering speedmetalpunk”, which is very accurate.

Opener ‘Taste the Blood’ is rabid, fast-paced d-beat ridden. Then you come to ‘Shadow of the Crucifix’ that brings out their black hearts and makes for a damn fine racket, in some places you hear early Slayer and Sodom. The production is done well, its raw enough to capture the atmosphere, but modern enough to sound more than a pile of (you know). Thus, adaptable for the different format of music player that people may use in this day and age. ‘Satanic Panic’ is a great romp through some gnarly business. ‘Drop of the Blade’ provides a great inclusive tempo to start with; it warms you up prior to the speed increase. ‘Sentinels of Heresy’ slaps your face and kicks you when you are down. ‘The Reaper’ is a touch more “doomy” at the start prior to the barrage of metal punk that takes the lead on the track after a short while.

I feel I need go no further, the music and release speaks for itself, the formula works, the strength of the material commendable and individual, even though you can hear the influences.

Do not expect perfection; expect annihilation.

(7.5/10 Paul Maddison)

https://www.facebook.com/Reapermelbourne

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/reaper-viridian-inferno