"Cloaked In Decay" is the new 6 track EP from the North Virginia black metallers GRETHOR. Although the band have been together since 2008 this is only their second EP and they have definitely brought something new and interesting to the table with this release. In its entirety, this EP is a mix of black and death metal with some thrash and grind influences making an appearance. GRETHOR have put a whole new spin on the generic black metal sound with this release.

The EP opens with "Wraith" which on the sounds like something from the early days of Norwegian black metal with its shrieking vocals and tremolo picked melodies. The more you listen to this track the more you appreciate the intricate guitar riffs and technical drum work. Next you have "Misery Of Ignorance" which is another black metal influenced track with a symphonic twist. This track sounds vaguely similar to something CARACH ANGREN could have released which is definitely a good thing. Almost all of the tracks on this EP are fairly bleak and demonic sounding but a track that really stands out is the 3rd track, "Somnia Malum Infinitum" which is an awesome death metal influenced track with guttural growls, pounding riffs and blast beats, unlike anything else on the EP. The final track is called "Monody For Artemis 2015" which is a new twist on one of their previous releases of their previous song "Monody For Artemis" released in 2009.

This EP is very well produced which does give it a unique quality not often found in black metal even now. It's nice to listen to black metal that doesn't sound like it's been recorded on a potato. As a whole, the extreme metal scene is lucky to have a band like GRETHOR about as this EP is a breath of fresh air with its brilliant mixture of sub-genres and talented musicianship.