Sometimes, the musical work of a band depends of the country from where it comes from, because there are some traits that are particular of a national school: Norwegian Black Metal is different from what is done in Sweden, Greece, Brazil and USA; North American Death Metal (due a sensible influence of SLAYER on its guitar arrangements) does not sound as Swedish Death Metal or British Death Metal, and so on. And on Italy the things aren't different, because extreme Metal genres played on the country is very different, what means that too much is expected of the duet SATANIKA. But "Horde of Disgust" is able to surpass the expectations. It's clear that they work on a trench of Thrash/Death/Black Metal, or in other words, a blend between elements of these three specific genres, but with an outfit near of what can be called as Old School (in the case of these guys, influences of Death/Black Metal of the middle of the 80's and elements of Black/Thrash Metal of the 80's and 90's, especially SODOM during "In the Sign of Evil" and "Obsessed by Cruelty" days, and BATHORY Black Metal era as well).

It's abrasive, organic and full of energy, evading canned form of music. And it's very good, sounding alive and dangerous during the entire album. The sonority used on "Horde of Disgust" is something organic (the drums are sounding as an acoustic one), and of course, it bears some resemblances with Old School Metal recordings. But it's not hard to understand what is being expressed on the songs by the fans. It's good, of course (but could be better). As all the bands of Italian Old School tendencies, SATANIKA has many extreme Metal hooks of the past being used, but always keeping the band's personality clear.

Although all the 10 songs are very good, for a first time on the album, one must check "The Void" (a darkened and furious song, with the fast kind of tempos that are usual for Old School bands, with very good set of rhythmic shifts), "Cosmic Funeral" (intense and with seductive harmonies, this one is plenty of excellent hooks, with very good guitar riffs), "Horde of Disgust" (the technique used on the drums is excellent, allowing the band to created charming hooks again), "The Fog" (the hooks of Old School Black/Thrash Metal are presented on the guitar riffs, with the vocals fitting on the instrumental sheath), "Tentacle of Horror" (another song with clear influences of Black/Thrash Metal of the 80's, but there are very good atmospheric and climatic moments, where the bass guitar sustain the filthy and crude ambience), and "The Absolute Torment".

Adjusting the sonority on their next release, one will stand before SATANIKA. For now, enjoy what "Horde of Disgust" shows.