Unholy Cult (Olympic~2002)
This has definitely been a good year for death metal. Iīve heard plenty of terrific albums in the genre this year, but none left my jaw open in pure awe. Until now. The first minute is actually a mellow, building introductory piece. The rest of the opening track, "Of Martyrs And Men", and the other seven songs for that matter, is nothing but harsh, abrasive, powerful, beautifully ugly death metal. The guitar work is at times repetitive, but never boring, and includes some interesting leads such as the ones in "Of Martyrs And Men" and "Rival The Eminent". Blistering drumming adds to the power and intensity of the music. The bandīs anti-religious lyrics are delivered strongly, yet intelligibly. Standout tracks include "Sinful Nature" and the title track, but there isnīt a weak one to be found. Each song is well composed and thought out yet still brutal as hell. In a word: wow.