When I hear that a band combines speed metal and black metal with punk, I expect an album with very short bursts of energy and anger, formally called "songs." From what I see in the promo in front of me, Karloff's "Revered by Death" does combine those aforementioned genres, but the runtimes are longer, and the genre spread is wider. This German trio still looks like they reek of punky angst, though. I've already called my doctor about my incoming mosh injuries.

Punk isn't the first thing to hit the ol' ears, as "A Pessimistic Soaring" leans heavily into (quite melodic) black metal. Was I wrong about what these lads are all about? The black metal is of usual murky quality that the church-burners will love, but it's pretty stagnant. Such stagnation continues with "Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei," and I can hear some heavy metal influences in the guitar leads and drumming styles, but no punk or speed. There's definitely no speed to be found within "When The Flames Devour You All," as the track is as simple as you can get when it comes to black metal. The vocals aren't screeched, but they're barely sung. They're chanted, and when the song slows, they match. "On Weathered Altar" is a boring ambient track with acoustic elements that goes on for WAY too long. What the hell is going on? Currently, I feel like a victim of false advertising-I've received a third of what was promised in "Revered by Death." 

"Prince Of Paradise" is the song where some punk finally comes in, and thank fuck it does, because I'm not too happy with this album. A twosomething-minute runtime, some faster riffage, and vocals with more attitude. Is it amazing? No, but I need it right now. "Regicide" reverts to the alright blackish metal of before. "Crown Cult Fate" is another much-needed dosage of a higher tempo, and "Elisabetha's Revenge" gets groovy with some bass swaggery, but I'm beyond the point of a malleable opinion.

Listen here. Get real close. I'm no black metal hater at all, nor a punk enthusiast. When I'm presented material that cites black metal (a lot), speed metal (where?), and punk (some), I want there to be some sort of balance. In my opinion, "Revered by Death" is an okay album, but let's not parade around claiming to play all the genres all the time, ya hear me, Karloff?