SADOKIST, out of Finalnd, return with their full-length album "Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms". Originally formed in 2007, SADOKIST has had a plethora of demo and compilation releases over the years. "Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms" is their second full-length album release. I must be honest, in that I initially thought I was not going to like this album at all. I thought I was going to be forced to listen to some more muddy recorded tracks where you can't differentiate between the vocals and instruments, but I was pleasantly surprised at the musicianship. "Intro: Nihil Return" brings an eerie atmospheric feel that I thought would only lead into what I dread. But I was completely surprised by the punk infused black metal sound that followed with "Enter the Devil". The vile vocals of Sadist Stalker being complimented with fast guitar riffing and brutal blast beats. What as even more impressive was the wailing guitar solos. That is not something you hear in lot of black metal. The piano work at the ending of the track adds another layer I was not expecting to hear. "Planet of Shit" brings in the fierceness again but slows things down a bit to offer some more brilliant wailing guitar solos.

I can see why Sadokist refers to themselves as "Sado speed metal of death!". They hit the ground running with their black metal sound on crack. Speed metal and punk hold a special place in my heart, so it's interesting to hear a black metal spin on these styles. Even when I thought I couldn't be more impressed, "Beater of Children of God" comes in with the deep gutter growls. I found myself appreciating the head nod to the death metal genre in this track. SADOKIST is not a one trick pony. "Driven by Disgust" brings in a much more death metal sound before slowing the tempo way down, while showcasing some more impressive guitar work. I can hear a definite old school death metal sound in this track. There are elements of thrash that bring in another layer to appreciate. I am completely surprised by the musical prowess of this album.

I thoroughly liked this album. "Necrodual Dimension Funeral Storms" has a lot of surprises at every turn. This goes to show you that you should never judge a book by its cover, or in this case, a band by your first listen. Sadokist blends all the intense genres into a cohesively entertaining sound. Speed, punk, death, and black metal are infused into a vicious album. Even though the production value loses a little bit because of the quietness of the recording, it still offers some good musicianship. Check this one out.