Thinking of all the elements that comprise Extreme Metal is like imagining a buffet, one of those endless, all-you-could-ever-imagine-including-lobster-and-ribeye buffets that tantalize customers at the mega-hotels/casinos in Vegas.  Thrash, Death Metal, Black Metal, Doom, and all in between form a large box in which the most select, daring, and creative bands inhabit.  Australia's NOCTURNAL GRAVES are no exception.  Formed in 2004, the band features members who have played with bangers such as DESTROYER 666, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, and others.  With such a refined pedigree, NOCTURNAL GRAVES surely misses no marks in providing Blackened Thrash of the highest degree.  Their latest album is entitled "Titan," and features eight songs of extreme, crushing fury sure to cause nose bleeds, earaches, and possibly S.T.D.'s in some cases.

The album erupts with "Resistance".  A smartly layered chunk of Black Metal riffs comprised of guitars upon guitars upon guitars creates a wall of sound that is surely inviting.  It's difficult not to take notice of the third track, "Ecdysis, Shedding," for the pure groove that is hit after the clean guitar part stifles the hopes of any poseurs and blazes a trail of head banging and circle pits.  The solo in the sixth track, "Bow Before None," grabs one's attention with its adventurous use of the whammy bar conjuring visions of Dimebag Darrell playing Black Metal (why not?).  The title track is saved for last and features a perfectly executed Extreme Metal staple.  The guitars are speedily palm-muting a riff while the drums play a consistent double bass part in time following the riff with a slow beat on the snare.  Dave Lombardo perfected the use of blasting drums during slower guitar parts and slow, methodical grooves while the guitars blaze, and NOCTURNAL GRAVES successfully incorporate the technique without flaws.

If unfamiliar with the band, the best description for the vocals would be something akin to those of Satyr from SATYRICON or even Jon Nödtveidt from DISSECTION.  Listening with headphones is the ideal method for appreciating the bass tracks as the bottom-end amply fills the ears laying the foundation for the guitars.  The drums are a true highlight employing lightning-fast double bass and expertly assembled parts, alternating blasts, straight-forward double bass, and multiple snare patterns.  The guitar work is like a blend of Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, and Tom G. Warrior.  The sound is huge as the two guitarists perfectly blend and perform a dazzling mixture of Black Metal riffs with more Thrash-flavored affairs.  This is top shelf Extreme Metal.

NOCTURNAL GRAVES is ideal listening for fans of NIFELHEIM, AURA NOIR, and THE CROWN, among others.  They successfully combine the high marks of "Show No Mercy," "To Mega Therion," and "Persecution Mania".  Rarely are groups such strong purveyors of the genre's purity.  NOCTURNAL GRAVES are surely Blackened Thrash elite, and it now rings true that Down Under is a new name for Hell!!