Review by JD on January 15, 2012.

Technical Death Metal to some, is the exact meaning of a misnomer. They think that all Death Metal is all simply noise with some indecipherable vocals and no real musicality to any of it. Hate to say it to Non-Death Metallers out there, but they are wrong. Try playing some of those wicked wrist breaking riffs and do it in the right order as well...get the picture?

Germany’s Common Grave plays some of the most intense and brutally Technical-edged Death Metal ever released on either side of the world. Reminding me of such outstanding and brutal acts like Sweden’s Extreme Metal stars Bloodbath, US Death Metallers Necrophagia and some Entombed with the more straight forward attack of England’s GraVil... this is Death Metal at its extreme edge and showcases the immense talent that is held there.

'Reborn Through Hate' is one track that instantly caught my attention. Lyrically it is amazing intuitive while keeping it straight ahead and brutally honest as well. Other songs like 'Sick On Speed' and 'Lethal Faith' are very well written and played - showcasing the musicality needed by a good band, it is 'Reborn Through Hate' which is the star here. It knocks you down, forces you back on your feet so it can do it all over again.

I feel that for Common Grave, this is the tip of the iceberg for them, and the next album have shown that. This debut was just a little glimpse into what this band could deliver. This is just the leading edge of things to come. They are good right now as they were on the first albums... watch out, the band will be massive.

Listen, learn and wait - Common Grave will surprise even the most jaded of metalheads.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 8.6 out of 10