THANATOS' highly anticipated re-release of "Angelic Encounters" is an album to be reckoned with. After years of lineup changes, shitty labels, and bad luck in general, it seems the band has finally attracted the attention they so much deserve out of a major label. Century Media is re-releasing their entire back catalog along with a new album in the works. I'd say after nearly 30 years of slugging it out in the music underground, they've earned it.

Lyrics full of anger, deception, evil, and lust await the eager listener as the music burns through your speakers, filling the room with maniacal vocals, brutal drums, and blood stained riffs. No one ever said all "Angelic Encounters" were beautiful. Stephan Gebédi's vocal work embraces the darkness and delivers each song with all the force of a sledge hammer. Some standout vocal tracks are "Angelic Encounters","Beyond Terror", and "Speed Kills". The guitar work is sinister, tight, and intelligent, with solos that are blistering and hypnotic. Some great guitar work can be heard on "Speed Kills", "Thou Shalt Rot", and "In Utter Darkness". The bass and drums seem to be at odds with each other, causing a palpable tension in the songs that only adds to the entire albums atmosphere of pain and brutality. Aad Kloosterwaard's drum work is heavy, solid, and beastly on such tracks as"Infuriated", and "God Of War". This is just a damn good Death Metal album.

With lyrics such as "Digging up graves to fulfill my needs, Of my necrophilic lustful greed" and "As you lie there, blood-soaked...Satan's whores are gathered to feast upon your flesh Organs and genitals" it's not exactly for the mild. For a rating, I would give the album an 8 out of 10. For fans of VENOM, POSSESSED, and SLAYER, you kids will certainly find this album to your delight. As always, stay well, and live free!