The North American extreme Metal scene has deep roots in some European bands (as SODOM, DESTRUCTION, KREATOR, HELLHAMMER/CELTIC FROST, and others), but never deny that the embryonic core of such genres is based on influences of North American Hard Rock of the 70's mixed with the hooking energy unleashed by JUDAS PRIEST and MOTÖRHEAD as well, and even the omnipresence of SLAYER's aggressiveness. On North American Black/Thrash Metal School, these elements are clearer, as can be heard on "Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins", the latest release of the Texan quartet THE BLACK MORIAH. The band has members with names as ABSU, INFERNAL OAK, BLEED THE SON and others on the curriculum vitae, so experience isn't a problem. And on their Black/Thrash Metal (based on influences of the names written on the first paragraph), on can feel the clear influence of Southern Rock, Country Rock and even soundtracks of old films of Wild West (you can hear such traces clearly on songs as "Endless Prairie" and "Echo of Hooves") and Old School Hardcore (as clearly heard on "Buy Me a Blade") in the mix, creating something different.

It's full of life, energy and aggressive to the bones, but on other hand, it's almost impossible to resist to the quartet's, musical work. As one can expect, the sound quality of "Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins" has that Black/Thrash Metal rough appeal, always on an aggressive form, but with everything sounding defined and clean, what allows the band's musical expression to be fully understood as the album plays (and what great instrumental tunes are used on the album).

"Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins" has an extremely catchy Old School appeal, but without filling the album's songs with a 'moldy' feeling. And as the album plays, if the fan isn't seduced by songs as "Slain Children/ Roaring Arrows / A Blood Atonement" (a song based on many excellent rhythmic shifts created by bass guitar and drums, and with great guitar riffs and solos), "Endless Prairie" (as one can check, the influences of Old Wild West themes is clear, and the temper gave by the keyboards parts to the aggressive guitars is a very good feature, indeed), "The Devils Grin" (what a catchy short song, with very good harsh vocals and screams), "Buy Me a Blade" (the Hardcore/Crossover stench is absolute, and turns this song that kind that can be heard countless times without becoming boring due its primitive catchy energy, again with great guitars and vocals), "Blessed by Buzzards" (the speed decreases, so it becomes a climatic and bombastic song with excellent heavy rhythms of bass guitar and drums), and the oppressive version for "A Witch is Born" (an old hymn of Norway kings of GEHENNA), the fan is really in the need of going to a otorhinolaringologist.

Dive into the chaotic offering named "Desert Hymns & Funeral Grins", and check what THE BLACK MORIAH has to offer. You won't regret the experience!