The Polish Death Metal scene is drenched with some of the grooviest, smoothest bands in the genre, and that is no different with ICON OF EVIL. With the classic, polished production so commonly used among other bands in the scene, the band dropped this two-track EP of riff-filled Death Metal.

Beginning with "Ojcze wasz," or "Your Father in Heaven," the band set the scene with sturdy riffing that was held up by a backbone of smooth production and groovy drums. Invoking a less technical DECAPITATED, the track delved into different vocal styles and crushing, breakdown-like grooves.

As one half of the EP slid by, the other quickly began. "Urojony bóg," or "The God Delusion," made a statement with a slower intro, effectively identifying the track from the "A-side." After the intro, the track melted into heavy, chugging riffs that would have unsurprisingly ruined a venue. Transitioning smoothly from one part to the next, the track possessed a slight technical edge that only gave the listener a craving for more.

Unfortunately, that was it for the newest Icon of Evil. A small snippet of what the future held for the band, the EP was one built for repetition. Its solid, catchy riffs made it more of a sampler of what would come.

Throughout the EP, the band had a strong connection to bands from their local scene, but they also had a leaning toward MONSTROSITY riffing. While the EP was very engaging, a lot of bands that play this style tend to struggle with full-lengths, as each track begins to sound more and more repetitive as the record goes along. While Icon of Evil's music was interesting as a very short EP, I struggle to see success in a full-length.

Nevertheless, if you are a fan of this particular approach to Death Metal, Icon of Evil's latest EP is short enough to give a glimpse into it. It is also short enough to get hooked on the band's sound. In the end, it was very well-done.