PANZERCHRIST is a death/black metal band from Denmark that formed in 1993. Their latest album, “Maleficium - Part 1” is their ninth full-length album; they have also released two demos, two compilations, two EPs, and a split. Their sound is rooted in death metal but they don’t shy away from blackened elements either. They mix it up on this album quite a bit—groove, blasting, and even slower approaches all make their mark across the album’s 8 song, 42 minute runtime. “Blood Leeches,” opens the album and comes out swinging after a brief intro. It’s fast, vicious and on point in all respects. Ove’s drumming is particularly potent; his ability to play such high speeds while still sounding clear and concise is impressive. The bass and guitars have a solid tone, very abrasive and deep.

“Mist of the Moat,” embraces the bass with an opening that digs deep for those rich tones. The riffs are a combination of groove and brutality, adding a surprisingly catchy layer to the song. The riffs stand out here, groovy but played in a very intense way like a more blackened BOLT THROWER. The slower parts have a subtle touch of atmosphere; I find this brings out the bleaker, more despondent aspects of their sound to the forefront. “Sister Death,” forgoes some of those melancholic leanings in favor of a straightforward approach that throws subtly out the window and brings in “piledriving face crunch,” as the core sound as it leans heavily into their death metal. This is without a doubt the most extreme song on the album, especially for both the bass and vocals.

The final song, “Ritual,” is one of the best on the albums. It goes for the throat and the vocals are biting as hell. I love the groovy riffs about a quarter of the way through the song that keep that kick ass solo moving ever forward. The vocal performance afterwards is fantastic–searing and harrowing. The keys near the end add just enough highlights to the music without taking away from its intensity.

PANZERCHRIST is a band that has always been very dependable, providing one solid release after another. Much remains the same for this latest album–while it certainly isn’t mind blowing or trying to reinvent the wheel, it’s a solid effort from a band that is the definition of “what you see is what you get.” With that being said it’s infectious and engaging enough to take a return trip.