Review by JD on August 20, 2018.

I have done a review on this Netherland based band before, and it had been not a good one to say the least (0.5 out of 10).  It was one of those albums that made absolutely no sense whatsoever and made no real impression other than being bad. It was one of my lowest ratings I have ever done, but as I look at the new release from Prickrott I find myself still hopeful as all fuck.

Described as industrial black metal with grindcore – this band seems to have cornered the market on influences, as they seem to have so many styles and sub genres rolled up into what they do. It ended up creating a confusing and unappealing record last time but I was hoping this now four piece would have straightened the ship from the last most horrible release.

From the first full track, there was some change. They seem to have streamlined their sound into a more focused direction and using those influences better. Tracks like "Pest Control" and "A Dead Audience" show some strides and actually are pretty damn good, yet other tracks still hold that confusion card that seems to muddy everything. It is heavy as fuck, but even that sometimes seems to never save those songs.

I gave Prickrott a very low rating last time (0.5 out of 10), and rightfully so. This time, they have earned a completely respectable rating – not super high by any stretch of the imagination, but it shows the band has addressed some things and are on the road to being a very solid band in the not-so-distant future. 

Rating: 5.3 out of 10

Review by Felix on December 12, 2021.

Armoured Angel dudes have posthumously become a legend, at least in my private metal cosmos. Their, well, riffs of steel and their dense guitar carpet that build the basis for all of their songs pour out the spirit of violence in every second. In addition, their often chosen mid-tempo approach creates an iron sound which seems to be the acoustic equivalent of the sight of molten steel. These outsiders doubtlessly spread the message of pure heavy metal in an impressive manner. Please understand the words "heavy metal" as a generic term in this context. It is not meant as a genre description, because Armoured Angel play extremely sinister thrash. But their aura is exactly the aura that should be generated by an uncompromising metal band - and that's the reason why I was speaking of outsiders. True heavy metal does not originate from the centre of society.

It is a pity that Armoured Angel's discography is filled to the brim with EPs, while full-lengths remain a very rare commodity. However, the Australians make the best of the situation. Their compact formats are free from any kind of fillers. On the other hand, we must not renounce exciting highlights. The riffing of 'Enigmatize' combines catchiness and merciless intransigence excellently. It's by no means that kind of catchiness that has its eye on the mainstream audience. I am speaking of this strict, relentless and clear structure that also made songs such as 'Fallen Angel' (Possessed), 'Ordered To Kill' (At War) or 'Hell Awaits' (Ratt - haha, little joke) to earworms. And all these bands - with the exception of Ratt - are not too far away from the general approach of Armoured Angel, at least regarding the level of uncompromising power. Nonetheless, it remains a fact that this trio from down under has found a very individual style without integrating highly original or external elements. The terrific overall impression is created with the usual tools, but the band uses them in a very intelligent manner. By the way, I don't want to hide the fact that Mysterium also holds songs with comparatively fast eruptions, namely 'Heir To Evil' and 'Carved In Sin'. Anyway, it cannot be denied that the slower sections characterize this EP and the work of Armoured Angel in general.

Due to the powerful and almost impenetrable production, the music develops its full aroma. The riffs cut through the sound like a hot knife through butter and even a seemingly mild piece - the outro - offers some screaming guitars in addition to its casual flow. It is a little bit sad that the final number is an instrumental, because the deep, demonic and imperious vocals mark another strong feature of Armoured Angel's art. Some dudes will surely blame the lead vocals for being monotonous, but I guess the dick of these grumblers is simply too short (please recognise my high sophisticated way of argumentation). In other words: the lead singer does an outstanding job, because this type of music needs this commanding kind of singing. Metal was not invented to make many compromises. The here presented style of singing matches the musical way of proceeding and therefore everything is fine. The ironclad EP gives you the feeling of being placed between the hammer and the anvil and the guy who holds the hammer in his hand has never heard of things such as mildness, loss of power or humanity. However, this vinyl is meant for all those thrash metal freaks who choose heaviness instead of velocity and strictness instead of variety from time to time. The riffs of steel will definitely not disappoint them. If you have any doubts, buy the great re-release (grey vinyl, band photo on the B side) of Mysterium.

Rating: 8.9 out of 10