REVOCATION is a pretty well-known (210,000 Facebook fans) Technical Death/Thrash Metal band from Boston, USA. Unfortunately, their label sent the promo without a press sheet or any biographical information. So, I turned to the tried and true Metal Archives. The band formed in 2006, and have released seven full-length albums since their inception. "Netherheaven" is their eighth, and contains nine tracks.

"Diabolical Majesty" is the first cut. Judging by the tight opening riff and powerhouse drumming, I would label this as TechDeath. The vocals are harsh, and some melodies are built in the chorus. Try to squeeze a dime anywhere in the fabric of the song. "Lessons in Occult Theft" begins with a different sound that pretty quickly reverts to the soundtrack of the previous song. It's only two songs in, but so far the sound is very similar. "Nihilistic Violence" features a slower grind with some dominating bass notes. The pace quickens to ear-busting riffs and that's how it stays straight through.

"Strange and Eternal" begins with some classically tinged lead guitar work, and then another burning song where the intensity doesn't let up. The breakdown section is a clinic in technical writing and playing. "Galleries of Morbid Artistry" begins with clean guitars and some solemn tones, that again quickly give way to tight, intense instrumentation. The guitars build some interesting sounds here with their harmonies, and this track is fairly diverse. "Godforsaken" runs with heavy and dissonant tones throughout, with deep and harsh vocals. "The Intervening Abyss of Untold Aeons" begins with more dissonant tones and segues into a harrowing landscape. The bass work is fantastic here.

Let's get one thing straight, these guys are fantastic musicians, and do they still have the fore after eight albums? Yes, but creative songwriting can take its toll after this long in the business. What they might lack in songwriting, they make up for with their prowess. The guitar work is fantastic. Perhaps my biggest problem with the album is the lack of diversity. Fans have obviously come to like this band and what they represent, and I'm sure they will not be disappointed. It was good, but could be better.