It was just a tad more than four years ago since I reviewed the debut album of ENTRAPMENT, named "The Obscurity Within", the brainchild of the Dutch artist, Michel Jonker. Similar to other bands, that I was fortunate enough to write more than one review of, made even more realize the importance of evolution and change in music, especially in trying to guess the mindset of each artist. Though missing the sophomore release, which was issued two years after the debut, through the band's new label, Pulverised Records based in Singapore, I nailed it and took on the brand new release, "Through Realms Unseen". It became quite evident that things started turning differently for Jonker, now apparently not rested alone in his efforts for Death Metal glory.

In time, judging by this album, ENTRAPMENT further turned into an old school formed Death Metal beast, yet also taking pride at implementing elements of classic Metal and Hard Rock, aspiring for becoming the next Death N' Roll band in town. Other than their blackened feel of CELTIC FROST and late 80s VENOM, I found strong correlation to the brutal massiveness of early and mid-eras of DEATH, SLAYER, Dutch heroes ASPHYX, and above them all a distinct foundation of the MOTORHEAD speed and Rock N' Roll's special qualities.

The diversity that came through the band's songwriting, ascertained them a strong position, a position which I hope will be maintained for future releases. The divergence of the riffery, grasping with groove, into the chugs of Death Metal and a sprite of classic Metal, turned the tide in comparison to the previous offerings. Furthermore, the soloing efforts gone even wilder, rendering uncanny lead guitar battling that won me over right from the get go. Honestly, I might cross the line and declare that Jonker and his mates left ENTOMBED gasping for air way behind, down the mustard gas filled trenches.

"Through Realms Unseen" shares a selection of robust tunes that would embrace you under their wing of an utter blackened lividity with a promise that your head wouldn't explode, unless you are sensitive for a little bash in the skull. The track "Through Realms Unseen" first caught my attention right at the first listen, it mesmerized with guitar melodies that reminded me of early-mid 90s PARADISE LOST, as if produced out of pain. Took the Doomish lane into slithery hard as steel Death Metal battering ram. "Dominant Paradigm", bearing the sign of sophistication in its title, unveiled the face of chaos, mystery and band's utmost quality of darkness, surging into late 80s DEATH mannerism minus the technical aspects. "Self Inflicted Malnutrition" surfacing another early DEATH driven song, creating a kind of suspense before charging forward with a brutal attack, gonging with a type of soloing to be found in the hey days of Death Metal. Finally there is the "The Seeker", arguably the only Thrash Metal remnant, one would imagine an early to mid-90s TESTAMENT grandeur of "Ritual" and "Low" eras, an old school crusher, yet too short, for the love of god.

The way I see it, this is the best effort of ENTRAPMENT to date. What has been going on with the band's music is a course that I truly admire. It is a must to keep checking these guys out as they advance forward in the world of extreme.