After nine long years stirring the cauldron in the underground, NEKROMANTHEON finally re-emerged from the depths with their most ferocious record to date. "Visions of Trismegistos" is a long-awaited metal assault, bringing forth the spirit of old metal once again. Recorded in Chaka Khan Studio and various locations around Oslo by the members of NEKROMANTHEON themselves using mostly old, analog equipment to get that warm, genuine sound, "Visions of Trismegistos" feels like a lost opus from the glory days of the '80s, when Thrash, Death, and Black Metal were merged into one unholy trinity. Yet, it is a fresh and vital testament of a band at the height of their abilities who stand out amongst their peers. The album contains eight tracks.

"The Visions of Trismegistos" opens the album. A heavy Thrash Metal riff opens the song, leading to a speedy sound with vocal screams. A speedy guitar solo is laid down, and this has the feeling of old school Thrash Metal. "Seven Rulers of Fate" is a short and intense black of Thrash Metal, with twists of Black and Death Metal present as well. Another set of ardent guitar solos with whammy bar dives move the track forward, and it's over before you know it. "Faustian Rites" opens with a raging and harrowing sound, with some double kick drum. The main riff is all over the place, and the guys play with a fierce unyielding sound. Another due of spastic guitar solo plays overtop of the heavy rhythm guitars.

"Neptune Descent" begins with some harrowing sounds followed by a slow, grinding riff, that leads to a mid-tempo groove. The riff changes after the half-way mark, with a few drum fills. "Scorched Death" opens with some steady pulsing keys and an evil sound, marked with timpani and some background ambiance. There are even some light symphonic elements present. When the main riff drops, it sounds like a bomb went off. From there, a speedy riff takes over. Another dexterous guitar solo is laid down as the song rolls to completion. "Dead Temples" is another three-minutes of chaotic riffing and vocals. I can't quite hear the bassist in the mix here, if there even is one. It's drowned out by the heavy riffing and cymbal crashes. Yet another earnest guitar solo takes the song to completion.

"Thanatos" is yet another three minutes of chaos. The guitar work here is really quite tight, and the drummer keeps an even meter...the band is talented for sure. Here comes the guitar solo...I am sensing a pattern here. "Zealot Reign" closes the album, and has a similar sound to many of the previous tracks. One thing the band is not winning many points on is uniqueness or originality. Though brutal, it really lacks in the aforementioned areas. It slows at the half-way mark, with some harmonies in the guitars...but here comes the solo again.

It's an honest and true-to-their values release...the main problem however is that it offers nothing original to the genre. The riffs, although played with fervor, are all ones that you have heard before. The vocals are just mediocre...nothing special about them. If you are into old school 80's metal, I'm sure you will like this. But for me, I need melody and dynamism in my music.