Brazilian duo GRAVEDÄNCER have dropped one of their two EP's "Unholy Bond" back in September. The 5 track release of Black Metal seems to have been fairly well received, and I feel long overdue some new Black Metal, as such I am really looking forward to this. The artwork seems fairly stereotypical of the genre, nothing massive to write home about but it would fit in well with any Black Metal enthusiast library.

Opening the EP is the titular "Unholy Bond". And there is little standing on ceremony as we launch into the music at full tilt. An energetic and breathless opening track with Gravedäncer providing the bulk of the musical content. Relentless riffs and aggressive vocals, it is fast, furious and quite frankly the perfect start to the EP. "In Crusade With Satan" has a much more blusey feel to it. The riff is grooving along and it just shows a whole different dynamic and atmosphere. The guitar break keeps along this style, and it really is just simply fantastic.

"Diabolic Possession" takes the centre point of the of the EP, with a return to the high octane and aggressive style. The track is full of little subtle licks in the guitar tracking, clean breaks and this absolutely sublime riff that flits between beefy hard hitting chords and this really energetic bouncy feel. "Feasting With The Dead" cuts back the pace again, seemingly offering us a respite from the intensity of the previous track. The once again steady and deliberate instrumentals change the dynamic and feel of the music, taking on a slightly darker and more ominous atmosphere. But that is not to say that it is not full of what has made this EP amazing. The structure and overall standard of musicianship is utterly sublime.

The final track is "Black Rock N Roll (Midnight Cover)" and it is just a fantastic way to end the EP. An energetic and bouncy riff, taken in GRAVEDÄNCER's own style of delivery. It sends the EP out with a bang, and leaves me wanting more from this young group.

Overall, I honestly cannot fault the release. Sometimes I find that Black Metal can have poorer production values, and I appreciate that is often done for effect, but what could almost be considered that within "Unholy Bond" really does add this extra dimension, I could see every track being played live is a dark and foggy venue, with massive pits and everyone having a fantastic time. If that isn't the mark of great music. Then what is?