You really can't talk about DUNGEON STEEL without starting with WAMPYRIC RITES. WAMPYRIC RITES was a prolific Black Metal band from Ecuador. In 2021, Eblis Destructor (drums), Wampyric Strigoi (vocals), and Vrolok Vrolok (bass, guitars)-all from WAMPYRIC RITES-put together the Black Speed Metal trio, DUNGEON STEEL. Sadly, in April 2021 Vrolok passed away. On July 9, 2021, the band released "Bloodlust" on Signal Rex. The EP may include some of the last recordings of Vrolok. The album is raw and frenetic with an analog vibe that begs to be played on cassette or vinyl.

The six-track album has a runtime of just over 20 minutes, though the first song, "Dungeon Steel," is essentially a long synth intro. Despite the slow start, the rest of the EP is all blood, steel, and fangs. DUNGEON STEEL is at their best when they vary their assault from frantic Speed to more measured, full-fisted riffs. The last three-quarters of "Kommand Wolf," for instance, slow to near Doom proportions . . . and it is glorious when it does. The intro riff to "Heavy Metal Tyrant" screams NWOBHM, savagely living into its title, and features wild lead solos. This range keeps you anticipating the next movement and is really satisfying when it picks up recurring motifs. Less interesting, though not less viscous, are the final three tracks. While they all have their moments, they lack the variation of the previous two tracks and instead suffer from a repetitiveness that renders them solidly average.

Altogether, "Bloodlust" is a good but not great album. I do love its simple, visceral approach-there are few things that go together as well as Black and Speed-but for a band to differentiate themselves in this crowd, they need to execute it super well. While DUNGEON STEEL can certainly stand in the crowd, they don't necessarily stand out in the crowd. Good offering, this one, which deserves a listen and even a purchase. Will be interesting to see if they expand their lineup and continue.