SAILLE, the blackened death metal outfit from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain, recently released their fifth album, appropriately named, "V." The album is a melodic black metal masterpiece with post-death metal guitar work and groove-laden bass lines that offer a little something for everyone.

"Suffering Sanctuary" wastes no time in establishing itself as an ass-kicking banger of a track. With elements of drone metal and enough of a bass line to tap into some groove metal, it's thick with hidden nuances. The vocal layering is well done, and the drum rolls downright sickening. Deep bottom outs, emotional build-ups, and roundhouse change-ups set this track on a fantastic course of black metal destruction.

Track two, "Fetid Flesh," has an epic build-up of an intro that lends itself to visions of a live show. The guitar work is head-shakingly on-point and theatrically dramatic. With enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, the song is melodic death metal put into a meatgrinder with old-school black metal. The result is a delectable feast for the ears as well as the imagination.

"Charnel Chamber," track three changes things up in a welcomed homage to multiple genres, including, dare I say, progressive rock. The song is complex and attention-grabbing, with a bit of a vocal hook. The guitar work is impeccable, as is the very present bass. The drum work frames the song nicely and keeps the listeners interested in what's to come next.

The intro to "Loathsome Legacy" is worth the admission price alone. A clear frontrunner for a favorite for this reviewer, this sludgy chugger is wrought with psych metal and horror metal elements. The piano is creepy yet straightforward enough to stay out of the folk metal realm. With almost a Celtic metal ambiance, the song is heavy AF while still maintaining its unique intricacies.

"Terror Tapestry," track seven, is a speedy, raucous ride to hell. With mesmerizing guitar work and unique drum detailing, this track is a true speed demon. Unexpected drops and build-ups keep this song on a well-planned trajectory that keeps the listener guessing.

An unexpected gem, "Mirror Motions" offers jaw-dropping bass lines and flawlessly intricate vocal stylings. The instrumentation is fierce with hidden facets, melodic and folk elements that never seem to overpower one another but work in tandem to create an atmospheric, theatrical metal experience. This album closer easily takes the top spot as a favorite track for this reviewer.

This band has a lot to offer, and it's of little wonder why they've taken the international metal scene by storm. SAILLE shows are a definite must in the upcoming year as they're sure to be nothing short of stellar. A solid album by a solid band, SAILLE's "V" is worth a listen, for sure.