Review by Felix on February 6, 2024.

Even the hottest summer of all times (2022) was not enough to stop the activities of Italy’s Bunker 66. The split with Germany’s Lucifuge was already their third collaboration within one year. Well, an Italian-German cooperation has not always been to the benefit of mankind, to say the least. But this time we don’t need to fear many dying victims, even though the company’s name of the label mates indicates this. More problematic is the somehow needless Motörhead cover of Bunker 66, but their two remaining songs make up for this. Rasping guitars, sometimes fast as an arrow, motivate the drummer to a precise and powerful performance, while the man at the microphone spits out his lyrics with a rather throaty voice. The Italians find the right mix of primitive sounds and diversity in their constantly forward rolling tracks, although they avoid pretty melodic excursions this time. Thumbs up for the more or less perfectly produced “Mellhammer” and “Sulphurous Lust”. The second track in particular makes it clear that the Italians' little vulgarities are always diabolical fun for the listener.

Lucifuge hail from the underground with three new songs. Although their catalogue covers already four full-lengths, they did not get an overdose of attention so far. Honestly, I doubt that the new material will change this. The band misses the mark on the almost epic “In Blood and Dust”. A few sections are okay, but coherence is missing. The song does not come to the point. Additionally, some slow-moving parts are just too ordinary and lack excitement. Fortunately, “The Great Unseen” is much more intensive and should not become “The Great Unheard”. Here Lucifuge attack without mercy and demonstrate their full potential. The slicing riffs and the tight overall appearance fascinate me, but my enthusiasm vanishes into thin air as soon as the final track starts. Is this the anti-social son of Priest’s “United”? I guess it's supposed to be a hymn, but easy-listening black thrash sounds toothless and tiring. Is it allowed to fall asleep? Putting insult to injury, the production also fails to convince. The snare lacks assertiveness, the guitars do not sound very heavy. So with a little portion of good will, it’s 80% for Bunker 66 and 60% for Lucifuge. Could have been better.

Rating: 7 out of 10