GRIMFIST

What in the world is going on this month? Lately, it seems that every other CD coming my way is a gem, the latest two beasts from Candlelight. The first, the Hell-born rage of 1349's "Hellfire" and now the deathly fire thrash of GRIMFIST's "10 Steps to Hell". Whereas 2003's "Ghouls of Grandeur" debut was primarily set to run at one pace (fast and furious),"10 Steps to Hell" sees the band putting more twists and turns into the arrangements, though without losing an ounce of malevolence.

As the album opens, a thrashing tornado called "The Power" indicates that the ferocity of "Ghouls of Grandeur" has been retained. It's when a sort of melancholic, southern-tinged swamp groove kicks in and a song-closing sung (as opposed to growled) chorus begins that the new layers of depth begin revealing themselves. "A World of Wrath" from the debut album hinted at this kind of thing, but was more concerned with speed killing. The eerie synth part and sounds of children laughing on the six-minute "Reap the Fire", the atmospheric sections, black metal vibes, and "clean" chorus of "Tools of the Trade", or the guitar harmonies on "Unborn" demonstrate progression, just not at the expense of metal bloodlust. That said, I find the pure thrash aggression and head-banging groove of "Separation of my Soul" to be the album's best track. Even here, Frediablo's melodic vocals appear toward the end. No matter where you look, you'll find no blemishes on this one. By the way, the work of new drummer Christian Svendsen is to be commended. Replacing Horgh (HYPOCRISY, formerly of IMMORTAL) is no easy feat, but Svendsen just flat-out kills.

If there is even a remote possibility that GRIMFIST's war machine may be nearing your perimeter, the best bet is to lay down your arms and surrender. You will not win this battle. The alternative? How about kissing your ass goodbye?