This is the fifth album by the Spanish quintet, formed 18 years ago in Barcelona and their first in 9 years, with new vocalist Markus von Schwarzfurz and drummer Eduhchupih whom joined shortly after the previous release, with bassist CesarCold, guitarist Desecrator and guitarist/vocalist Ghorth reprising the roles they’ve held all along.

The album opens with a drum salvo and crushingly doomy guitar riffs which are perfectly titled “Grief And Sorrow”, followed by a dramatically quick lift in pace for “Hunting Human Rats”, with its breakneck kick drumming over the fast but somehow ultra-melodic guitars that break in soaring leads over the guttural growls.

An even quick tempo and grinding rhythm is employed on “Abjuring the Holy Trinity”, but it’s the infernal choir before and after the lead break that stands out for me as moody and melodic.

This is followed by “Inferi Ardentis Monarcha” where the acoustic intro slowly morphs into a heavier version of the riff accompanied by a plodding drum before all hell breaks loose as the growls join the fray.

A powerful roar is quickly followed by blasting drums and rapidly churning guitars to start “Luciferi Imperator Omnipotens”, which is then reined in for a melodic moment before being let off the leash once more, only to slow again as the song fades out.

A pleasantly gentle riff is emboldened by the addition of manic drumming on “Orients Princeps Belzebub” to go from rock to death metal in an instant, while the vocals are never rushed, no matter how fast the drumming becomes.

“Assault On The Ravaged Wastelands” is very Bolt Thrower in its delivery, with slow deep vocals over the ultra-heavy but melodic guitars which are accompanied by a steady flurry of triplets on the kick drum.

The beautiful rolling guitar riff on “Massive Demonic Warfare” does not lose its potency when sped up by the blasts of drums, as it simply matches their pace by tremoloing when required.

The ignition switch and roar of an engine takes us into “Infernal Red Machines” which is moderately paced, but kicks into a higher gear for each pass before slowing again for the verses where the deep drawn-out vocal roars come to the fore.

“Luciferi Imperator Omnipotens” (M.A.C.V. Version) which apparently has guest musicians from Revel In Flesh, Vader and Carnation on it, is a bonus track on the CD, and I must admit that I prefer the version earlier on the album as it’s fuller and heavier in most regards.

An enjoyable album, full of heavy but melodic riffs that go from gentle to frenetic at the thrash of a snare.

(8/10 Marco Gaminara)

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https://fda-records.bandcamp.com/album/glorious-tyrannizing-of-human-rats