PESTILENT DEATH is one of those bands that plays old school Death Metal in a way that one can't tell if they are trying to make a living or if they are just trying to make good music. In my honest opinion, it doesn't sound like the former of the two options will be happening anytime soon, but that doesn't mean this album has nothing to offer.

On the surface, this is AUTOPSY worship, which is not a bad thing at all. Obviously, that discredits the album for being entirely original, but originality does not just come in riff style; it can also come in execution of a riff style. PESTILENT DEATH are successful in that they can take the AUTOPSY style and add their own touch to it.

For example, "Upheaval of the Undead" utilizes the use of sound effects with people screaming in the background at times. They also use media excerpts as intros. The effects are great, but what is even better is the music. While most of the riffs are pretty basic, there is a heavy breakdown midway through the song that, with the help of the vocalist's deeply guttural voice, is very heavy.

This same breakdown style is also seen on "Perverse Blood Offering," a song that is heavy because of its closing slam and unique because of its dissonant intro. The intro is nice as it offers something different to the listener. It's a short break from the gritty Death Metal that this album is made of. All the while, this intro still transitions smoothly into the heavy stuff.

One aspect of the album that was both poor and well done was the production. It is sometimes difficult to make out what the guitars are doing when the vocals are happening. This occurred the most on "Torturous Incantations". The better half of the production goes to the drums. I never pay attention to the production of the drums, but this time I didn't have to. The way the drums were produced makes them sound round and whole, and they stood out to me naturally.

One last thing I would like to point out is the instrumental track, "Emanation of Despair". While the riffs aren't bad at first, they start to get old, even though the track is short. Also, the ending is not the best, as one would expect it to transition into the next song. This does not happen, making this track seem pointless.

What is presented on the second offering from PESTILENT DEATH is promising, but it is ultimately just another Death Metal record. Sure, it is better executed than most acts in the vein of AUTOPSY, but it isn't anything revolutionary. If you're a big fan of AUTOPSY and bands like them, I definitely recommend these guys because I doubt you'll find a better band that is still around.