Sitting in front of my computer trying to find a proper way to start this review, I was thinking of Marios' (Iliopoulos) story so far. One thing is for sure, that man's got balls! Leaving Greece after Exhumation disbanded and going to Sweden to find a better luck was something really new for the Greek standards. Truth is, most people quit. When you feel betrayed, when you are angry, when everything seems to be going wrong, it requires guts to take off to another place, all alone, without any help. Almost 5 years later the outcome of this story couldn't be better. Nightrage win the bet, releasing their second effort Descent Into Chaos and I am glad about their success, 'cause they deserve it.
Nightrage were formed in 2000 by Marios Iliopoulos (ex -Exhumation) and his good friend Gus G.  (Firewind, Mystic Prophecy, ex -Dream Evil). During the wintertime of 2002-2003 the band entered the famous Fredman Studios and recorded their debut Sweet Vengeance. Two years later Nightrage return with a killer lineup and a brand new album on their backs. Having  Thomas Lindberg (ex -At The Gates, ex -The Crown, The Great Deceiver, Lock Up, Disfear) on the vocals, a hellish rhythm section featuring Henric Carlsson (Cipher System) on the bass and Greek Fotis Giannakopoulos (The Devilworx, ex -Septic Flesh) on the drums, Nightrage are on their way to the top. Gothenburg's melodic Death Metal at its best!
Musically speaking Descent Into Chaos remains faithful to the melodic Death Metal scene, although it sounds heavier and more traditional Heavy Metal at the same time. Probably that's the result of having two great guitarists, composing some mind-blowing guitar riffs, a voice that is assimilated with the term 'brutal' and a tight rhythm section giving you the beat to headbang. No more clean vocals, only blood! I was impressed by the band's ability to write extreme Death Metal tracks, yet melodic, almost cacthy, instrumental efforts. Descent Into Chaos has all the elements a Death Metal album should have. Speed, melodic lines, extreme vocals, in-your-face attitude, mid tempo breaks, merciless riffs and impressive lyrics.
Speaking about the production, I should say Patrik J. Sten was a surprise. Having a lot of experience by the side of Fredrik Nordstrφm, he did an excellent job. Everything sounds crystal clear, giving us the opportunity to discover more details, hearing after hearing. A guest clean vocal appearance by Dark Tranquillity's Mikael Stanne on the track Frozen  and Fredrik Nordstrφm's keyboard passages have to be mentioned as well. One thing someone should also mention is the outstanding artwork, done by Set<'H> (Heaven Shall Burn, Rotting Christ, Caliban, etc.), that fits perfectly with the total atmosphere of the album.
Overall, Descent Into Chaos is highly recommended to every Metal listener out there. It doesn't matter if you are into Death Metal or not, you should give these guys a chance and believe me you might discover a whole new meaning in this music. Songs like Poems, Frozen, Omen, Solus, Being Nothing, Drug and Descent Into Chaos will make your head bang up and down, left and right. To cut a long story short, Descent Into Chaos is a masterpiece of aggressive, modern melodic Death Metal and that's all!