The musical universe is extremely complex when the matter is about musical definitions. As an example (pertinent to this review, of course), can one say that Blackened Death Metal and Death/Black Metal are the same thing? No, it's not the truth. Blackened Death Metal is the way that bands as HATE, ANGELCORPSE and BEHEMOTH work their music, and Death/Black Metal can be said as the use of form of music based on a genre of Death Metal with Black Metal themes (or maybe using some of the genres elements, especially on the vocals). On the second conception is the North American quartet CURSE OF DENIAL, as can be heard on their EP "The Reckoning".

Their musical work is a form of Death Metal based on names as DEICIDE, CANNIBAL CORPSE and NILE, with some touches of Black Metal (due the shrieks used on the vocals in some parts). They present a brutal and nasty form of music, tempered with a good instrumental technique and nasty arrangements, but always with an amazing energy flowing from their songs. Yes, it's pretty good. Brandon Youngs was brought into the studio to take care of the sound engineering, mixing and mastering of "The Reckoning". And his works on the sound quality make the songs reflect the ideas of how they work: defined and with that essential dirty touch that Death Metal is supposed to have.

"Variant" is technical and aggressive, fast and into a North American Death Metal tendency (adorned with very good sets of rhythmic contrasts provided by bass guitar and drums), and the same elements can be heard on "A Fractured Soul" (that has very good shrieks being presented contrasting with the guttural grunts). Filled with a set of harsh melodies in some moments (provided by the very good work of the guitars), the slow parts of "Tyrants" are invitations to bang the heads. And the sinister landscaping harmonies of "The Reckoning" are full a non-usual features for Death Metal. And "Messiah" has a very good balance between Death Metal natural aggressiveness with some nasty ambiences inherited from Blackened Death Metal.

After listening to "The Reckoning", the listeners will have the clear idea that North American Death Metal doesn't need to rely on the veteran names. CURSE OF DENIAL has potential to become a pillar on the scene.