There are a lot of differences between the Metal Schools of Europe and US, and in all Metal genres one can think of. And some of these differences come from the fact that every musician has a musical background that, when used, can bring some surprises for the fans. And it's what the Austrian quartet MASTIC SCUM is up to with "Icon". The band's musical work can be described as a caustic fusion between aspects of Brutal Death Metal, Grindcore, Death Metal, Crossover, the presence of some modern Groove Metal elements. It's extremely different from the usual, but even with a good technical care on the instrumental arrangements, the music of the quartet is easy of being swallowed, but be prepared for a massive set of pyroclastic energy enveloped by a brutal and aggressive form of music.

The band's sixth album was recorded in Grindlab Studio (in Vienna), and was produced, mixed and mastered in Metalforge Studio by the hands of Mike Kronstorfer (but with Harry, the band's guitarist, giving a hand on the production). And all works in a great way, because even being brutal, the things are extremely defined, allowing the band's music to be easily understood. It's really an excellent work. This album would come with an advisement on its cover, 'beware of your ears', because it's really brutal and aggressive, but it's wonderful to hear songs as "Digital Dementia" (its dorsal spine is built upon excellent playing on bass guitar and drums), "Room 23" (another fast and nasty song with many brutal hooks, but pay attention to the charming arrangements and riffs expelled by the guitars), "Slavebreed" (a brutal and oppressive set of rhythms can be found on this one, and some groove Metal parts can be heard as well, and even some traces of SEPULTURA's work on "Chaos A.D." era can be heard), "Doomsayer" (that is full of younger energy and elements, with very good vocals, with good defined grunts), "Twice the Pain" (where the Brutal Death Metal side of their music becomes evident in many moments, and some Grindcore intense parts are heard as well), and the modern and creative "Retribution" are the right ones for a first taste of the album's essence.

Throw away your older and moldy conceptions, and doing so, you can enjoy what is offered on "Icon". And a reality: if you don't now MASTIC SCUM's work, you must do it now, for the sake of your musical taste.