I really like the fact that this BARBARIAN record "Reek of God" starts with a severe warning that people who are of a religious and/or sensitive disposition should be aware that the band does use a number of derogatory comments about religion in general and are quiet blunt in their phrasing of the matter. it makes "Warning" into a very pleasant and for me rather humorous listen. The other 35 minutes that fill the album following that song are just as pleasing for an Old School Metalhead like me. If you look it up on internet, you will see that apparently BARBARIAN plays Speed/Thrash/Black Metal. Well, that is true. And if that will make you think of a project like MIDNIGHT, I wouldn't blame you, as "Reek of God" does fit in the same ballpark. The big difference between the two being that where MIDNIGHT has more of an early VENOM vibe, you will be hard pressed not to compare BARBARIAN to a band like MOTÖRHEAD, mixed with early EXCITER.

What is even more important is that BARBARIAN has been able to fill "Reek of God" with good songs from start to almost finish. The reason I state it this way is that I haven't got a clue why the electronic closer "Crurifragium" has been added to this album, as it has no connection with anything else provided here. For the rest you will get to hear very good sounding songs, with a proper build up, a solid foundation but most of all a very intense and intriguingly bloody Heavy production, making them pop up and out even more. I was sceptical at first, but after the first listen I have to admit that I have no choice but to admire what BARBARIAN is presenting me with on "Reek of God".

These Italians from Florence in Italy have obviously homed their qualities since their start in 2009, and as "Reek of God" is their sixth studio album, they have had a lot of practice that I have missed out on until now. BARBARIAN also has a live album on the market. "Live At Thrash Nightmare Vol. 9" was released in 2023, and as I feel that the kind of music that this band plays is perfect fort a live environment, I am rather curious as to how that one will sound. I do know that BARBARIAN have made a good record with "Reek of God". I can't see anyone not agreeing.