Some bands will burst onto the scene and work like a factory releasing albums and EP's on a regular basis, churning out records at a steady rate, keeping their fan base happy with the supply of new music, merch and tours. Others, however, have a latent tendency to keep their fans waiting, hanging on for that slither of hope that something wicked this way comes. Step into the spotlight DEAF AID. Having been formed in 1989, the five piece Death / Thrash outfit have released two full length albums, a couple of demo's, singles and the focus of today's review, a singular EP.

"Precursors Of Extermination" was released in June of this year. Independently produced by DEAF AID and appears to have been widely well received. The artwork plays well to the name of the EP, with not quite the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, but certainly ominous and foreboding spectres.

The opening track, "Fragment By Fragment" instantly arrives with long droning chords that set a tone and troubling atmosphere. Whilst musically there are clear throes to the familiar Teutonic Thrash and short lived Black Metal flurries, there is a clear overarching Death Metal feel to the track. Stretching from the brutal vocals to the dense and heavy riffage.

"Bullet" comes flying in with some ethereal and light guitar runs. The steady pounding drum track and combined vocals created a very powerful sound to the track, in fact you could almost be forgiven if you were to mistake it for AMON AMARTH. Towards the latter end of the track you can feel an injection of energy and pace, with a killer overriding guitar solo. So far, this would have to be my pick of the EP.

Instantly upon hearing the opening riff to "Your flesh Is Mine" I couldn't help but think 'fuck me this is brutal'. The dense and aggressive riffs are just accented by beautiful guitar runs and Marc's deep and booming vocal line. This is Death Metal at its finest people! As the track trudges through, steadily pounding its way to it's inevitable end, as a listener you are treated  to a display of craftsmanship from all members of the band, guitar solos, expert control of pace behind the drums and the bass line that shores everything up, remember people, never forget the bass!!!

Let's kick it up a gear. "Crossfading Existence" picks up the pace of attack. Energy oozes from this track, with some breakdowns to allow the listener to have a quick respite before throwing themselves back into a pit, well that would be if they were listening to it live!

With the final track we have an 8 minute epic. "The Grudge" opens with disturbing and troubling noises, reminiscent of the film of the same title. A steady, misty opening that goes completely against everything that DEAF AID have produced so far simply goes to show their musical knowledge. In fact, the drawn out introduction runs for almost 3 minutes! The main body of the track its self, to me, leans more towards Black Metal tendencies within the music and is the final Precursor of Extermination.

Overall, I can see why this has been well received. Old school Death Metal, which isn't afraid to branch out and take what is best of other sub genres. The band as a whole delivered an outstanding level of quality throughout. Fans of AMON AMARTH, KREATOR and some of the more old school Death Metal step forward and get this EP!