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Evidently, Norwegian death-gods Emperor weren't getting job done with enough brutality, so former guitarist Tchort fled to option this project with ex-Satyricon fretmaster Dod.

Blood Red Throne exudes nothing but destruction and murderous mayhem. Using classic Scandinavian intensity, their razor's edge riffage and caustic vocals are intense without becoming too technical or completely sick (that's left to the booklet's illustrations, with various band members photographed in suicidal ecstasy).

While most death acts keep pushing their sonics into offensive extremes, BRT have wisely pulled back to concentrate on a tighter, dual-guitar attack. Likewise, the temptation to turn techno is a lost cause here, as BRT's venomous sound is pure molten metal for their debut album. Lyrically, there's nothing more adventurous than the usual roadkill and dissecting table contents to examine. However, the social convictions of "Ravenous War Machine" are an unexpected plea for peace among the usual circus of carnage.

Considering the jagged intensity of "Portrait Of A Killer" and the pneumatic precision of "Souls Of Damnation" here, there's an argument to be made for old school, Florida-brand Death Metal re-entering the fray while most newer bands have strayed to the fringes. Blood Red Throne are unique in their craft of sonics and sickness.