Death - Mutation - Disease - Annihilation

"Evil Fuckin' Hellrockin' Black Ritual Slayin' Metal From Down Under"

That in itself should be recommendation enough for all you headbangers out there. Taking a cue from the classic works of Celtic Frost, Bathory and even AC/DC, Melbourne's Atomizer opt for simple themes and arrangements, putting together 11 kickarse songs (plus intro) that will induce whiplash in any environment. And if songs like "Unit 731", which must be heard to be believed, get more exposure, there's every chance this band may likewise be remembered in 20 years' time.

Death Mutation Disease Annihilation is a sure thing for those who worship the Aussie black metal style, i.e. great hooks, old-school influence, enormous thrash potential and utterly commendable attitude to the metal way of life. The riffs are cozy and familiar, ripping away mercilessly, with the odd melodic touch thrown in here and there, notably at the end of each side of the LP. But as with any band this committed and honest, the end product seems fresh and innovative despite the familiarity.

The riffs are boosted by the superb drumming of Suds, better known as the skinsman for Dreadnought. He injects an incredible amount of energy into the songs with his syncopation and fills - there's never a dull moment as he embellishes every beat with something special. The dynamics of the album as a whole are also helped by the way each track leaps straight into the next without even a pause for breath. The band's intention is clearly to recreate a live atmosphere with this frenetic charge, and it works a treat. To round things off, the presentation of the LP release is excellent, with the gatefold cover opening up to a huge picture of an enamel bathtub splattered with blood, the knife resting where the victim left it, and the lyrics emblazoned on top.

The only point of contention for potential Atomizer fans is the vocal style of Jason Heatley. Using something between a black metal rasp and a thrash yell, he often seems to struggle to find the pitch range that the songs call for, and doesn't really have the power to compensate. Personally I think he'd improve by moving more towards a thrash style of vocal because the rasping element seems to constrict him. Still, with lyrics this good it's hard to complain about the delivery. I particularly love the words to "Hesitation Wounds", a mockery of failed suicide attempts:


"Plan A: Take knife, cut deep
Plan B: Take gun, blow off your skull
Hesitation wounds
No you couldn't follow through
Hesitation wounds
You didn't cut deep enough
Plan C: Take rope, place round your neck
Suspended from something strong
Now leap to your death
Hesitation wounds
No you couldn't follow through
Hesitation wounds
Your neck bears the scars of failure
Hesitation wounds
Although you've no will to live
Hesitation wounds
You've not got the will to commit..."

...and it goes on like this, to Plan F and beyond. Well, that should be the clincher, then. Hurry up, though, cause the LP is limited to 500 copies. Enjoy!