German Death Metal band GOREGAST has been through some ups and downs, starting out initially in 1993 as 'Distress', splitting up, and rebranding themselves as GOREGAST. They were then put through the grueling and moronic motions of lineup-changes - something almost every band has had to touch bases with. None of these factors can stop GOREGAST from being true-blue badasses of Death Metal though, with their new two-track EP "Covered In Skin" being one of the best Death Metal releases I've heard this year.

The entire runtime of "Covered In Skin" is like, ten minutes. But that isn't even a problem, because GOREGAST is so digestible that they take on a groovy catchiness, yet they're skillful enough to showcase all their best qualities through only two songs that you finish the record satisfied, and not feeling like you've been cheated.

It's only two songs so I don't want to spoil anything too much. Simply put, GOREGAST has the perfect blend of everything, from original and catchy riffs to relentless drum beats and a vocalist with all the putrid, rancid, acidic venom that you would want any Death Metal vocalist to have. It's your staple Death Metal stuff here, crafted expertly and executed with pure finesse and refined creativity.

I also detect some Black Metal influences that add a theatrical darkness to the track "Covered In Skin", which features some interesting Black Metal guitar work from soaring chords to random effects punched in here and there. The second track, "Mindcreeper", has a very acute melodicism to it, giving it a slight AMON AMARTH feel.

Whatever it is, "Covered In Skin" is an excellent EP and I can't wait to hear more from GOREGAST. They may have the makings of a classic.