Once again, the knights of unholy black thrash have risen from the dark abyss and have forged a thunderbolt of new dimensions.

Apollyon and Aggressor have again been joined by Blasphemer, who delivers great axe wielding. I have never minded the rawness of Apollyon’s and Aggressor’s guitarplay, but Blasphemer adds a tad more to the wholesome of Aura Noir. I don’t know how much he has participated in the songwriting process, but not much is my guess. Though he delivers some great leads and he still have the old school thrash feel in his fingers.

The tracks are in the Aura Noir vein, as heard on the bands previous efforts. Few and very effective and catchy riffs. Godly hooks are always present, they graps the neck and makes one ‘bang like crazy. There isn’t a single filler on the album, the unholy brotherhood has created 8 strong tracks and it is hard to pick favorites among them. Though my current faves are ‘Condor’, ‘Black Metal Jaw’ and ‘Funeral Thrash’. Check those out, but remember: You’ll buy the album afterwards, there are no return. The tracks sounds very fresh, even though Aura Noir’s inspirational sources, at times can be heard in the riffing. But the way this band can put together good old thrashy riffs and make it sound new, pounding and fresh, is incredible.

The 2 masterminds Apollyon and Aggressor are still switching back and forth between the drums and bass/vocals, and who’s best must be a matter of taste. Though I prefer Apollyon’s vocals and his drumming over Aggressor’s. Though Aggressor is still doing a hell of a job. But Apollyon has this distinctive feel in his vocals and his drumming are more straight than Aggressor’s. But again the both do their jobs a tad better than great.

The sound is great and raw, the guitar is ripping apart the universe, the snare drum punish the ears and the bass drum is nice, pounding and dry. The album is mixed very good and the instruments are perfectly placed, just as the vocals. And the raw garage feel the album has fits the musical universe of Aura Noir superbly.

I am a big fan of this band and I have eagerly been looking forward to new material from the band. The teaser ‘Sordid’ from the double 7” “Überthrash” is godly and a tad better than the version on the album. And that ignited and raised my expectations to the album. But this album is not disappointing at all, the band have actually achieved to push their style a bit and makes their old school unholy black thrash sound very fresh and new. The song writing and playing are filled with tons of pure energy. Aura Noir is back and they shows no mercy, I’m hooked on this album and a lot will follow me, I’m pretty confident in that.

[This review was first published on the now defunct scandinavianmetal.info webzine]