The German Thrash Metal School is known throughout the world since the 80s, when names such as SODOM, DESTRUCTION and KREATOR launched the foundations of the style, being slightly different from what North American bands were doing in that time. As it was in the case of the North American Big Four of Thrash Metal, Germany has some names that tried a lot to reach the three ones. But to be honest, the only band that could reach the German Thrash Metal trio was the Düsseldorf's quintet ASSASSIN, because their first album, "The Upcoming Terror," was a new and different way from the others. But after their second album, "Interstellar Experience" (that wasn't as good as its predecessor), the band had many hardship and ended its activities. But they are back since 2002, and now they release their new album, "Combat Cathedral". To be honest, the album is not as good as "The Upcoming Terror," but it has its good points.

The greatest change was the coming of a new vocalist, Ingo Bajonczak, who sings in a modern way, being extremely different from his predecessor, Robert Gonella (one of the band's founders). His vocals tunes are harsher and aggressive, using lower tunes. But the entire band's style gained a more modern and aggressive outfit, arising from excellent guitar riffs and solos, and using a technical and heavy rhythmic session. It's different, but it's very good as well. The sound quality of the album is fine. It brought some modern aggressiveness to their musical work, and the instrumental tunes are really aggressive and heavy in a way that Thrash Metal maniacs will love. The cover art, created by Brazilian artist Marcelo Vasco (the same one that made covers for SLAYER, BORKNAGAR, SOULFLY, OBITUARY, and many others), is really good as well, turning in a visual art what their music is.

It's their best album since "The Upcoming Terror," and as its finest moments, we could name "Back from the Dead" (where Ingo's voice is really excellent in the middle of fast and great guitar riffs), the short and nasty Rock'n'Roll influence that is clear on "Frozen Before the Impact" (that shows a very good work from bass guitar and drums), the furious and brutal "Servants of War" (it's a song full of rhythmic changes, and filled with great work from Scholli and Mike on guitars), the savage and technical attack on the drums shown on "Slave of Time" and on the fast and gross "What Doesn't Kill Me Makes Me Stronger" (some very good backing vocals are presented on this song), the bitter and nasty tribal stab of "Ambush" (with some percussions that could be a influence from Brazilian drums, due the time that Mike lived on Salvador), and the short and brutal "Word" (another fine piece of music, using very good aggressive vocals once more). But the entire album is really very good. With blood in their eyes, the band is ready for the future to come.

Go, ASSASSIN!
Fight, ASSASSIN!
Kill, ASSASSIN!