NECRODEATH is a black / thrash metal based out of Genoa, Ligury, Italy and who have been around since 195. This is their latest EP entitled "Neraka" which was released through Black Tears on April 2nd, 2020. Some very weird sound effects of the backward variety are in the opener "Inferno" and lets loose with a very dirty and epic guitar riff structure, You even get some intriguing melodies in there with a tad of dissonance. Add some church bells in there and this sound like a re-invention of early 1980s SLAYER. When the song goes into overdrive, it is an absolutely relentless piece of work and an embodiment of the very early days of thrash metal and a great ode to Jeff Hanneman. Since I was not familiar with their material, this is a great way to open the EP.

The following track entitled "Petrify" is equally as intense and shows the rapid drumming abilities of Peso. Aside from the more high-pitched vocals (that do have a black metal side to them), this is very reminiscent of early TESTAMENT and once again has a very loud but succinct solo portion. The darker parts of the song reminded me a lot of KREATOR when they decide to slow things down a bit. "Succubus Rises" is the adrenaline-pumping number we have known to love from our thrash metal bands. The headbanging patterns of the drums with those low-tone riffs thrown in to balance things out with the solo and rapid picking parts. It is followed by a live rendition of "Flame of Malignance" that sound surprisingly good for this gritty kind of metal, it is pure speed metal at its finest and shows that the band has the same energy in a live setting that is a key component of their studio tracks.

The EP closer is an interesting choice s the band decided to cover the legendary DEAD KENNEDYS with "California Uber Alles" and if you enjoy your bass riffing, this one has some really pounding ones in the intro. The vocals have an odd effect in them to make them sound most likely more satanic and evil. The song is actually slower than the rest of this EP, but is extremely grim in its tone and presentation.