While "Satan as a deity" imagery has become a cliché in black metal, it can be good to listen to if done well. NECROMUTILATOR aims to provide good, filthy fun with their mini-album "Ripping Blasphemy".

There's a whole bunch of influences thrown into this cauldron, namely death metal, black metal, thrash metal and doom metal. These seemingly disparate elements work well together, and the blends feel natural. Thrash metal whips the listener into a frenzy on tracks such as "Ripping Blasphemy" and "Unholy Semen of Doom", and the doom metal interludes give brief respite before the frenzy continues.

The titular track has a sinister movie clip in the intro which is a clear portent of things to come. The vocals have that inhuman feel which is exactly the right thing for this track (and the rest as well). The drum fills are entertaining, and the riffs have an evil feel. "Unholy Semen of Doom" has an interesting break with "call-and-response" riffs, and a distant solo with some rhythm riffs underneath it which bubble like molten lava.

There's not even a moment of filler on this album. Nonetheless, if I had to pick a standout track it would be "Gate to Eternal Possession". The bass guitar parts pulse with vitality, and the vocals are powerful enough to give demons pause. The riffs are caustic - the metaphorical "face-melting" sort of metal that's especially exciting to hear live. The drums have that sort of resonance which adds to the richness of the overall sound, and the main riff is a notable earworm. The off-kilter guitar solo adds to the feeling of finality, and the coda finishes off the album perfectly.

"Ripping Blasphemy" is a fun, wild ride. I think there's something along the black metal spectrum for almost any mood or occasion. This particular collection of tracks makes me think of heading to a metal gig at a small venue which turns out to be one of those hectic events where nearly the whole floor moshes and the performers jump into the crowd now and then.