Review by Krys on October 22, 2001.

“Swamplord” is a debut from this new Spikefarm band that, unsurprisingly, plays a melodic version of black/death metal. Unsurprisingly? Yes, just check the line-up, there are 3 members from Eternal Tears Of Sorrow and if you follow Finland’s metal scene in the slightest, my statement wouldn’t sound so shocking.

So, what do the Kokko brothers and 3 ETOS members have is store for us? The easiest answer would be a more extreme version of the above mentioned mixed with Children of Bodom. Sound good? You bet it does. Guitar work on this album is exceptional; heavy, fast and amazingly catchy riffs backed up by excellent solos make “Swamplord” a listening pleasure. Pasi Hiltula’s keyboards, rather than taking a leading role like on COB’s “Follow the Reaper”, are well visible but don’t take over as a main instrument. Add very aggressive but understandable screams and a rhythm section that varies from mid-fast tempos to insane blast beats and this short album, which lasts for only 36 min. will seem like 20 at best. Every track is so tight that you’ll quickly lose track of time while listening to it.

Picking the best track is almost impossible because the whole album is flawless and kept on a very high level of musicianship, filled with great musical ideas. There are simply no bad songs or fillers on it but my favorites would be the slowest and most catchy ‘Dance of the Water’ that adds needed variety among most of the fast tempo tracks.

I am a bit disappointed that there is little innovation on this album. The safe-side, or rather “what sells”, route was chosen but musically there is nothing to complain about and I can't wait to hear more from this band, especially now that two members, Altti and Petri, have recently left the band, which can only mean less Eternal Tears of Sorrow influences (meant with nothing against this great band) and more of their own original ideas.

Bottom Line: Fans of melodic death, guitar driven albums can pick it up in a heartbeat.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Carl on March 24, 2020.

I've had a soft spot for Impiety ever since I first heard their album Kaos Kommand 696 back in 2002. Back then, it was the most savage thing I encountered since Immortal's classic "Battles in the North". Being the noise addict that I am, I've been following their movements from then on. These past few years my interest in the band and their output had waned somewhat though. Not that they had a drop in quality but main man Shyaithan started writing longer songs and those failed to completely capture my interest. The reason for this is that I have the attention span of the average goldfish, that's why. Now it's been seven years between their last full length and this one and from the sound of it, this hiatus has been useful. Not only have the songs become shorter but the band puts on a display of powerful ferocity that I found missing on their last few releases. They are back with a bang, so sit down, shut the fuck up and pay attention!

The band plow through their own brand of black/death metal with revitalized energy, bringing back memories of their aforementioned Kaos Kommand 696 and its successor Paramount Evil. After it's Bathory-ish intro, the band storms out of the gates to showcase their fierce might with 'Reigning Armageddon'. Brutal and precise, Impiety slaps you around with their energetic performance and the barbaric execution of their music. Monotony is avoided by the incorporation of blistering lead guitars and some well-placed hooks into the music. The chorus to the song 'Azazel' will have you pumping your fist and shouting along. When I heard that the band was going to incorporate female vocals in one of their songs, I've got to admit I was somewhat skeptical at first, but the end result is pretty awesome! Henriette Bordvik's contribution to 'Interstellar Deathfuck' gives the track a bit of a Mercyful Fate/King Diamond vibe without feeling out of place in the band's seething aural assault. As always is their hammering attack accompanied by an excellent production that is both clear and hard as nails. All this is presented in a gorgeous digipak as well, making the total package a mandatory purchase for everyone who is seriously into brutal and aggressive metal.

They have returned, the masters of true black/death metal savagery. Ride on in blasphemous glory forever!

Rating: 9 out of 10