Based out of the sprawling coastal city of Toulon in southern France, NOX IRAE brings the brutality of Death Metal to life. Formed in 2015 this four-piece outfit has released one demo and is set to release a six song EP "Here The Dead Live" through Transcending Obscurity Records on November 15th, 2019. Defined by their primitive Death / Thrash Metal sound these veterans are bringing back the dirty, gritty sound of old school Death Metal.

NOX IRAE brings us an interesting take on the primitive sounds that helped define the Death Metal sound during the genre's inception. "Here The Dead Live" is a tribute to that sound. The opening track "Phantom Parasite Trauma" brings that rough classic sound that is reminiscent of the beginning of Death Metal. The track begins in full-fledged chaos that rapidly conforms into patterns. "Cold Wind" begins as a sludgy, brutal track that ramps up the tempo as the track continues. The vocals are abrupt and stinging as if you were throwing jabs in a fight. "Knife Under Throat" features driving riffs mixed with powerful vocals. The guitar work is slightly repetitive in this song, but the riffs are decently crafted. The song itself is created in clear segments that transition abruptly instead of melding together.

"Primordial Lie" is the headbanger of the EP. This is one that has the rhythm needed for a good live show. The strongest part of the track is the short, insane guitar solo. It doesn't last very long, but it is well done. I wish I could have had more of it throughout the track. "Supposed Dead" begins with a descending Thrash riff that is repeated throughout the track. The guitar work is stronger in this track as you get that Thrash feel that makes you want to bang your head. The song also features a slower, melodic guitar solo that explodes into some ridiculous riffs. The solo has some impressive runs.

After listening to "Here The Dead Live", I would put this as a run of the mill Death Metal EP. The production quality of the recordings was lower quality but, I think that was done intentionally as a way to give their sound a more dated sound. Using lower quality recordings can be used as a tool if you are wanting to attempt that. The strong point of the EP was the guitar work. The solos were great and very well crafted. The drumwork was safe and didn't try to expand out further. It always remained in the same zone. The vocal work does have that older style sound of Death Met but I would have liked to hear a deeper range. I do think that "Here The Dead Live" was a decent effort in bringing back some of the old style of Death Metal.