Review by Felix on April 28, 2021.

Welcome to another EP that combines a few new songs with extra stuff that nobody really needs. No question, 'Flame Of Malignancy' originally released on the comeback Mater Of All Evil (from 2000) kills effectively, but the live version doesn't uncover any new facets of the track. The arrangement of the Dead Kennedys' classic also leaves me rather cold, but I credit it with two plus points. Firstly (I confess ruefully), I didn't know the original and due to its snotty originality, I like that much better than Necrodeath's elaboration. Above all, I appreciate the fact that Jerry Brown, as a member of the Democratic Party, is accused of fascist ideas.... Biafra, you great poet and thinker! F**king fascists everywhere! Secondly, I admire Flegias' consistency in unexceptionally chanting something like "överalles" instead of "über alles". But who am I to make jokes about this? His German certainly still sounds much better than my Italian.

The three new pieces are another sign of life from the already not lazy Italians, but not much more. Despite some faster sections, the opener 'Inferno' seems relatively sluggish. Fortunately, Necrodeath do not become unfaithful to themselves. They continue to play sharp-edged thrash, enriched with the one or other twisted guitar tone, percussive elements and a slightly haunted atmosphere. The powerful, aggressive and agile 'Petrify' leaves the most vital impression. Finally, 'Succubus Rising' moves in the same direction.

In general there are two things you can blindly rely on with Necrodeath. On the one hand, the dudes always find the right balance between rage and melody, and on the other hand, there is nothing to complain about in the sound. The studio tracks burst out of the speakers in a razor-sharp manner. Precision is a constant factor in the Italians' cosmos, both playfully and sonically. Thus, everything remains more or less within the predictable framework, also with regard to the presentation of the digipak EP with an eight-page booklet. A good, but not essential release from the house of my favourite Italians.

Rating: 7.3 out of 10