Fortified in Swedish-styled Death Metal, the new album from SENTIENT HORROR, "Morbid Realms," is heavy and mean. With menacing riffs, a chainsaw guitar tone and obligatory yet nicely executed Hardcore sections, the album is at least what one might expect. What the band does beyond the basics is what makes the record shine.

"Call of Ancient Gods" was the first single to promote the album, and it showed tight riffing with a technical edge, decent structure, nice progression and an interesting style. The song wove through different riffs, setting the album up as one full of enticing guitar work.

The emphasis on straight riffs that was foreshadowed by "Call of Ancient Gods" was made real by "Cemetery Slaughter." The second single from the album, this song is fairly two-dimensional, but that is because it's all riffing. This track features some of the album's strongest guitar work, helping the memorable chorus shine and the riffs pound.

These two tracks gave the album a lot to live up to, and it exceeded any previous expectations. Songs like "Loss of Existence" and "Ripped from Hell" blaze through monstrous riffs while the title track shows the band's atmospheric side. "Obsessive Killing Disorder" is a hardcore riff fest that goes from blast beats to d-beats, and "Reanimated" gives light to Sentient Horror's groovy side.

While the album excels in most areas, there are some small songwriting choices that made some moments less effective. While they were noticeable, it is nothing that makes the album any worse. What also stands out is the closing of the entire record. The ending of "Cemetery Slaughter" is an abrupt halt, and the album just ends. There is no resolution or closure; it is just left hanging.

While there are some small errors that are very particular, the album as a whole does not suffer because of them. As an old-school Death Metal record, this brings back the sound of classic bands such as DISMEMBER in a refreshing and original way. "Morbid Realms" is a monumental display of dizzying guitar work, and it is without a doubt riff-city-certified.