SHROUD OF DESPONDENCY unleash more hell bound emotion in their latest album "Tied to a Dead Animal", for fans of ABGOTT or TAAKE, these Americans provide the listener with a fantastic journey of thought provocation through the use of imagery and lyrical matters involving humanistic nature and perspective. Since the turn of the century these guys have been releasing material relating to Black Metal, albeit using a distinct progressive style throughout their latest releases, not dissimilar to their last album "Pine", yet one is able to hear the depth of progression taken to achieve a unique timbre.

"Tied to a Dead Animal" Is bursting with extensive material, complete with bonus tracks. An hour of the most open sounding Black Metal that has come forth from America, with another hour of interesting fundamentally acoustic Folk songs and instrumentals which figuratively whisk the listener away to places far and beyond. Whilst finally resting on a texturally thin but eerie outro.

Distinct tracks include "Clenched Jaw", an intertwining work of scorching Death laden riffs and Black atmosphere. Commence the shrieks and growls from front man Ron Blemberg and you have a well crafted track. "Winter And Warmth" provides a well rounded melancholic impact with crushing ubiquitous riffs and contrasting simplistic drum rhythms which allow for an enjoyable repetition. Upon entering the latter half of the album "Pollen" appears, a breath of fresh air as it were, naturalistic and enjoyable, featuring calm reciprocated acoustics and patterns.

Overall Guitar tonality is clear whilst still allowing for the distinct Black Metal ambience with the rhythm guitar harmonies, with the rest of the instruments sonically behind keeping the trance. Material akin to revolutionary styled heavy avant-garde Metal. This album certainly delivers significant effort, and invokes the feelings of a melodic Black Metal experience.