Talks about Norwegian Metal are becoming unnecessary, for from time to time, good names arise from those frozen lands, being both in more melodic tradition, or on extreme music. And some that we not dare to name, in terms of experimentalism. But the quintet of Death Metal HORIZON ABLAZE, from Kristiansand, Vest-Agder, is a fine name, and with their second coming, the album "Dødsverk", they really show that they're up to destroy some necks and bleed ears.

But don't get the wrong idea: Death Metal is what they're up to, but in a very particular and chaotic way, so don't come searching for some Floridian or Swedish aspect. The guitars sound hellish, like in some aspects of a mix of technique and some earlier Black Metal influences, the vocals are too harsh and extreme in high pitches, with some low grunts, and the technical and heavy work from bass and drums is astonishing. So, to speak in a direct form: it's a brutal sound like we never heard before, but with experimental touches.

The production is fine, intense and heavy as Hell, but sounding clearly, so the oppressive mass of sound and aggressiveness is in a good shape, so we hear the music in its total intensity.

Fine job, with great songs, we can pinpoint as best ones "Leviatan", the chaotic and strong "Fordømt", the excellent "Håpløs" (what wonderful riffs!), and the more experimental and "nightmarish" (it's a copyright from Ol' Big Daddy here, so remember to say my name when use this word, guys!)  "Skjærsild". But the as I said above, the whole album is excellent.

Great songs, great band, then get your physical CD. MP3 is for sissies.