Armagedon - Death Then Nothing (2009)

It may have taken 16 long years...but Poland's death cult Armagedon return for their sophomore effort, which should satisfy both fans of their cult album Invisible Circle and a broader circle of death metal connoisseurs. Their sound is what we all love most about the Polish scene: brutal and unflinching yet wholly encapsulated in the process of songwriting above technical flatulence. Death Then Nothing fits nicely along the sounds of countrymen Vader, Dies Irae, Hate, and Trauma, and it's ample proof that lightning can strike twice.

The majority of the Invisible Circle line-up returns for this recording. S³awomir Maryniewski retains his throaty punishment and the crisp mix creates a bleeding effect due to the razor old school picking. The title track initializes the album, a few strikes of the keyboard erupting into fast and eerily melodic death which immerses you directly into the band's dark, blasting frenzy. Riffs are kept fairly simple with the focus on their bleak environment and a slightly grinding edge. "Dead Code" leads off with a memorable melody before a verse groove with some light use of synth. I really enjoyed the ancient mystique of the chorus, created by the melody behind the death rhythm. "Enemy" creates a ferocious whirlwind onslaught. Listen no further for evidence that while Armagedon are an old band, they can easily keep up with the new kids. The remainder of the album is consistent in its delivery of Vader-level brutality with some classic underlying melody, but "Seeing is Believing", "Father of Oblivion" and "Emptiness Beyond Believe" are all standouts.

The guitars on the album sound thin and provide an efficient counterbalance to Maryniewski's vocals, which create a 'bottom end' for the album, since the bass isn't so audible unless you crank it. Otherwise, the mix is professional as you'd expect from veterans with their ears on the genre for a good many years. I hate to repeat myself, but his is definitely something you'll enjoy if you like Vader. While it doesn't quite trump the classic Invisible Circle, it's a welcome and serious comeback effort which makes it difficult to believe the band had ever left.

Verdict: Win [8/10]

http://www.armagedon.net.pl/