The self-proclaimed Northern Hyperblasters have returned with yet another slab of crunchingly heavy, yet ultra-catchy, melodic death-metal. Why this band remain so under-rated, despite a dedicated cult following, is anyone's guess, but surely with their latest opus, the metal world at large will finally turn it's head (and subsequently hang it in shame at having ignored such a crucial band for so long!) and give this death-metal institution the recognition they truly deserve.

In their 12 year-long career, these Canadians have been extremely prolific, with this their NINTH studio album, in a career which has seen them spawn genre classics with remarkable consistency. Apart from their mid-career transition, from the ferocious blasts of early albums such as Temple Of Knowledge (Nuclear Blast Records, 1996), to the more song-oriented sounds of 2000's The Prophecy (Nuclear Blast Records), Kataklysm have never been a band to really toy with the formula, preferring instead to play to their strengths. As a result, seasoned fans will know what to expect with In The Arms Of Devastation.

Following the return of long-time drummer Max Duhammel after a brief spell out of the band, during which he was replaced for previous effort, 2004's Serenity In Fire (Nuclear Blast Records), Kataklysm have resumed business as usual. As always, the production of guitarust JF Dagenois is crystal clear, managing to be simultaneously in your face, but with more than enough room for the melodies to breathe. The way that frontman Maurizio Iacono delivers his vocal lines with a variety and conviction reminiscent of Hypocrisy (whose frontman Peter Tagtgren guested on the track For All Our Sins on the previous album) adds even more depth to proceedings.

The only real surprise in store here for existing fans, is the surprise inclusion of Kittie screamer Morgan Lander on It Turns To Rust, which features at the album's mid-point. Surprisingly, this is far from being a nu-metal wimp-out (or indeed another one of those cringeworthy male/female vocal collaborations doing the rounds these days), but is a full-on metal assault which is actually complemented, rather than hindered by, Lander's efforts.

While some may see this as simply another Kataklysm album, with little deviation from their by-now trademark sound, there is no denying the sheer consistency of this prolific band. Indeed, there is little in the way of a huge departure from previous albums and while I would still rate 2002's Shadows And Dust (Nuclear Blast Records) as their finest hour, this is an album which simply slays many of the tired, half-hearted efforts from many of their contemporaries. Easily a match for the likes of Immolation and Vader in the technical death metal stakes, surely it is only a matter of time before they are mentioned in the same category as the above. All hail the Northern Hyperblasters!