Death Metal changed fairly drastically in recent years, with the more classic sounds of the traditional bands such as MORBID ANGEL or CANNIBAL CORPSE giving way to younger bands that evolved the sound of the genre. However, some bands have chosen to adhere to the old guards' formulae for what the music should sound like.

Step now into the limelight, DAETH DEMON, a young four-piece Death Metal band with members from both Austria and Germany. They have released their debut EP after their hard work in the studio recording and mastering their offering.

Starting with the physical aspects of the EP. The artwork is again of the traditional style that one would assume to see from the genre, the band name and album title in bold red colours on an image that resembles a classical style of painting.

The EP opens with "Daethmask Nygramant" which serves to create an ambience of dread, building over the 30(ish) seconds before the full force of DAETH DEMON is released in the form of "Refused Obedience". Full of aggressive riffs and pounding beats. The track is stereotypical of Death Metal, but it also contains some nuances that DAETH DEMON have put in to stamp their individualism on the genre. The relentless pace and aggression gives way for some dense, heavy and downright sludgy breakdowns before the listener is unceremoniously thrown once more into the chaos with some masterful guitar solos.

The pace and energy don't let up as we power forwards into "Well Of Torment" with the music full of attitude and understanding that is, quite frankly, well beyond the band's years. I am seriously impressed by the level of musical knowledge, the structure and just the seamless flow of the music throughout the EP to this point.

As we continue our journey and reach "Blood Soaked Alter" we are once again treated to some sublime musical ability for the introduction, a glorious guitar run overarching the riffs and a pounding driving beat that moves everything forwards with a force and command that has been present throughout. As with each track to this point, the breakdown does not disappoint, the music of the track takes a sharp and unexpected turn, but it is done perfectly and just demonstrates the deep level of musical understanding that the band has.

Finally, we come to "Grotesque Morbidity" which gives the listener a final all out aural assault. There are so many moving parts to this track, such a deep layering of music that the listener is bound to hear something new with each listen of the track. I think that the subtle addition of synths within the back of the track were a slick and excellent way to develop the sound of the band that little bit further.

Overall, I have to say that I was seriously impressed with DAETH DEMON, I don't think that I can find a bad word to say about their debut EP... Actually, no I can. My only gripe would be that it ended too soon! I cannot wait for their next release and I whole heartedly hope that it is a full-length release. This young group are going places, mark my words.