One simply cannot avoid such Dutch Death Metal classic as the debut, and only full length by the band PERPETUAL DEMISE. This album is an instant classic, even if you've never heard of it.

The album was originally released back in 1996/1997; and it finally got a re-release by Vic Records in 2016. The record opens with the song "Of Confusion and Brutality", spreading sharp, Death and Doom Metal influenced riffs. However, the overall atmosphere feels so contemporary on the reissue, you can feel the slight touch of modern re-mastering in the overall sound.

I'm actually glad that this album got another chance, being that the band was barely known back in the day. Of course it had fans, but to be realistic, not enough of them. Their sound was critically unique, shifting from Progressive riffs, to Groovy rhythms, to incredibly brutal and slow Doom riffs, mixed with the classic, old-school-oriented Death Metal vocals! Even some nice solo's can be heard throughout the first track, and although it's only 3:35 minutes long, it's an incredible starter.

"The Lord Paramount" is slightly different. Although it varies from the previous one, it still crushes faces with its flesh-melting Doom riffs - which can be heard a lot more on this track. I realised the bass is tuned up a bit on the track, which is something that I always admire. Another thing I must mention once again is that this band was way ahead of their time. You guys don't even realise how good it actually is without listening to this at least once. The melodic riffing, the beautiful, clean bass, the overall Progressive sound, I had to double check if this album was really originally released in 1996!! This has got to be one of the most unique, yet extreme Metal bands I have heard in my life, and I'm being completely serious now.

Cool band have always been around, all you had to do was dig through the underground scene. It's sad that PERPETUAL DEMISE never got the attention they deserved, and sadly split up due to such reasons. "Arctic", a.k.a. the title track, is incredible; the Groove, the Melodic sound, everything is neat. You guys need to give this album a go, and listen to this album, since it is the only one the band has ever released (except for a few demo tapes)! Give the reissue a try - it has 17 goddamn songs! - and don't tell me that it's not worth it.