Review by Arek on March 28, 2014.

Domains – "Sinister Ceremonies" is the first release of the Finnish label/zine The Sinister Flame and at the same time it is the first official creation of the three Spaniards. You have got to admit that it is a solid debut. From the first bars you can hear and feel what it is that we have to deal with. A dark, underground death metal, reeking of the devil for miles. Every sound that those three Spaniards create is like a kick; a kick to destroy all the doctrines of Christianity. My subjective ear reminds me of early Immolation releases, although European-styled and with a heavy dose of tarry icing on it. I recommend this release to death and black metal maniacs alike. I don't know whether the final sound result was intended, or if it was purely coincidental, but knowing that we are dealing with a double debut, this is such a dose of bashing that Lucifer himself would not be ashamed of it. There are certain flaws in production, but such is the difference between European and U.S. releases. Skillfully applied reverbs, guitar and bass solos, and other small flavors are almost like bacon and onion bits on potato dumplings, but that reference will be understood only by few. ;-) I rated this album with a small (-) for production and a huge (+) for authenticity and climate.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by JD on August 4, 2008.

Upon listening to this Irish band’s four song EP, I was struck by the sheer energy that was Mass Extinction. There is nothing ground breaking on the album itself, but what was being delivered with pinpoint accuracy was without a doubt was no bull old school thrash.

I was reminded of the old days of early thrash in the mid- 80's here through out the listening process. Shades of the now infamous Vio-lence, along with slight smatterings of Overkill could be heard in Mass Extinction’s sound. Even with just the one listen, it brought a smile to this old thrasher’s face.

The fire spitting vocals of Tom Cunningham matched up perfectly with Adam Shortt and Brian Brennan’s razor precise guitar work while the other parts of the thrash machine... Simon Caffrey(Bass) and Sam Lambert(Drums), rounded out the sound to it’s full glory. Mass Extinction is tight as hell and razor sharp... making you see from the very first track that these five really do thrash along with the best of them

Clearly they are students of old thrash, Mass Extinction deliver the goods... and ram it down your throat, and you drink it all in. If your looking for down home thrash cooking, without messing around with a time tested recipe...this is the band for you. No raising the bar here, just sit back and let your head bang away.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.6

Review by JD on August 4, 2008.

Upon listening to this Irish band’s four song EP, I was struck by the sheer energy that was Mass Extinction. There is nothing ground breaking on the album itself, but what was being delivered with pinpoint accuracy was without a doubt was no bull old school thrash.

I was reminded of the old days of early thrash in the mid- 80's here through out the listening process. Shades of the now infamous Vio-lence, along with slight smatterings of Overkill could be heard in Mass Extinction’s sound. Even with just the one listen, it brought a smile to this old thrasher’s face.

The fire spitting vocals of Tom Cunningham matched up perfectly with Adam Shortt and Brian Brennan’s razor precise guitar work while the other parts of the thrash machine... Simon Caffrey(Bass) and Sam Lambert(Drums), rounded out the sound to it’s full glory. Mass Extinction is tight as hell and razor sharp... making you see from the very first track that these five really do thrash along with the best of them

Clearly they are students of old thrash, Mass Extinction deliver the goods... and ram it down your throat, and you drink it all in. If your looking for down home thrash cooking, without messing around with a time tested recipe...this is the band for you. No raising the bar here, just sit back and let your head bang away.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 6
Overall: 8

Rating: 7.6