Review by Krys on January 17, 2002.

So, to the already impressive list of comeback bands we can add Austria’s Pungent Stench. After 8 years of enjoying a quiet and relatively non-headbanging lifestyle (at least for some of the members), our trio is back and while it’s all a little bit less sick in the lyrical department, “Masters of Moral, Servants of Sin” brings the same good, classic style of death metal.

Take it as you like but from the objective point of view there are two sides to this album. While one can be really glad to hear good old school death based on a solid rhythm section and wrenching riffs, someone else won’t be too excited to hear something that could easily have belonged to the Pungent Stench discography 10 years ago.

Don’t get me wrong, this is very honest and solid album, but if you’re looking for an innovative, boundary breaking release turn around and walk away. However... if you are an old fart like me (I just turned 30! So all the nice words that I can’t print go here), then you might find yourself content with this material.

A variety of interesting and headbang-friendly riffs combined with controversial lyrics, disturbing artwork and photos was always a trademark for this band and nothing has changed this time. And since the subject of “Masters of Moral, Servants of Sin” is focused more on the social and religious aspects of our lives it makes it even more appealing to the casual listener than the gore and reek of band’s previous releases.

I’m actually looking forward to their future in which they again can establish themselves as a driving force in an underground scene but ‘til then it’s fun (although not always) to hear people saying “Pungent Stench? Oh, those guys from Hollenthone...”

Bottom Line: Pungent Stench and old school death metal fans should pick it up in a heartbeat, but all of you avant-gardes should give it a spin before you buy it.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.2 out of 10