DEATH APOCALYPSE is a German death metal band with a traditional approach to their music. "Scars To The Flesh" is their debut full-length album. Ultimately, this one gets off to a slow start, but when it gets going, there are a handful of songs worth listening to, and a couple of those more than once.

The first track of note is the third on the album. "Ceremonial Dismemberment" starts off nice and bouncy. The guitars have the same sound as the French death metal band YYRKOON, which is definitely a plus. Leichtfried's growled vocals are standard fare. There are a few infectious riffs, but I wouldn't consider this one mandatory listening.

The title track, "Scars To The Flesh," has some great catchy riffs and nice meaty breakdowns that really get you moving to the beat. The way Leichtfried's voice sings "Scars to the flesh" is a high point. This is a good song to get stuck in your head.

"Honor In Agony" reminds me of early SEPULTURA, especially in the chorus segments. This is the most melodic cut on the album. Weimar's lead guitar plays an excellent counter melody. I was drawn to the slower parts instead of the death metal barrage that makes up most of the album.

"Black Oath Of Allegiance" is my favourite track. It is the catchiest one, with its bouncing guitar rhythms and heavy breakdowns. It embodies what DEATH APOCALYPSE does best. There's even a nod to the Swedish death 'n' roll sound that ENTOMBED made popular.

"Putrid Crown Of Repugnancy" is another one that hooked me. It is a good bit faster than the previous two tracks. It really hooks you with the lead guitar parts and breakdowns. The final interlude that closes this song is a nice touch.

The album's final track, aptly titled "Deaths Eternal Silence," is the slowest one on the album. It is so slow that, in my opinion, it ceases to be a death metal song and is well-rooted in doom metal. This is an excellent song in the same vein as HOODED MENACE. I found this one to be the most interesting cut. It starts off with a long introduction with thunder sound effects interspersed with the overall melody. There are just enough fast parts to hold your interest, and then the song ends with the same melody it began with.

I had a tough time with "Scars To The Flesh." There are a couple of really catchy songs, several neat parts, and a powerful final track. I can't recommend this entire album. The title track and "Black Oath Of Allegiance" are the only ones I can confidently say are fun, catchy songs. "Deaths Eternal Silence" also stands out, but I don't know how much of a ringing endorsement that is since it is the least like their current sound on the album. Nothing sets "Scars To The Flesh" apart from the countless other death metal records out there.