THANATOMASS is a Russian Blackened Death Metal trio. "Black Vitriol and Iron Fire" is their second EP, released by LVX Morgenstern Records on February 9, 2021 and through Nomad Snakepit Productions on vinyl this August.

This EP has it all: the brutality and dissonance of Death Metal, the technicality of late-period Thrash acts like DEMOLITION HAMMER, and the atmosphere of early Black Metal, akin to VENOM and with hints of MARDUK peeking through as well. A. Thanatos' growls are brutal, very similar to BEHEMOTH's Nergal; TLG's bass shines through loud and clear; and V. Scorn's drumming, though a little muffled-sounding due to the lo-fi production, is nonetheless punishing.

"Funereal Ejaculation," starts off the EP, taking us on a journey through multiple time signature changes, Kerry King-style divebomb guitar solos, and winter-hardened riffs. "Deathmass Extasis" follows, building upon the evil-sounding layers of the previous track. At one point, Thanatos hits a high scream that nearly rivals the famous Tom Araya scream at the beginning of "Angel of Death."

"Sulphureous Darkness" provides a great buffer for the hellish sounds of the second half of this EP, with its ominous organ and industrial effects giving off the feeling of walking into a haunted dungeon. "Altars of Nigromancy" is a real highlight. The main riffs are instantly memorable yet still incredibly chaotic, and Thanatos' vocals are, once again, truly frightening. V. Scorn also deserves praise for providing such tight drumming and finding a way to stand out over the lo-fi production. Finally, "Phallvs Lvciferi" closes the EP in epic form, making it, in my opinion, the more terrifying sibling of BATHORY's "Blood Fire Death."

All in all, this is a good EP. Even though the production leaves a little to be desired, it tows the line of extremity most excellently and would please the fans of any Extreme Metal genre. It's nothing super special but it's good, and I expect THANATOMASS will have many better, if not better, releases to come.