When the matter of something deals with Death Metal, is usual to speak about two schools that became pillars of the genre (due their contributions on the canonization of the genre): USA and Sweden. But it's almost a sin to forget other good schools that, even not being as important as these two above, are good as well. Finland had some very good bands during the 90's, but still some very good names come from there. Names as the quartet SKELETAL, from the city of Jyväskylä, and they come to make the walls tremble down with "Bitterness and Burning Hatred".

They use an Old School musical outfit that is similar to bands with an aggressive music, but with very good instrumental technique. So it's almost obvious to say that the quartet's music presents remnants influences from early albums from MORBID ANGEL and PESTILENCE, some melodic traces inherited from CARCASS "Necroticism - Descanting the Insalubrious"/"Heartwork" age, and some hooking Thrash Metal elements (something from SLAYER on its early days). But it doesn't mean that the quartet don't have a defined personality. They have it pulsing on their songs, along with aggressive and charming energy.

 The album was recorded and mixed by the hands of Tom Brooke, who created something that is filthy and organic, but in a clean and defined way. Of course that isn't perfect (some tunes on the drums aren't fitting in the way they could), but it's not something bad at all. It's good, but far from being what their music deserves.

Musically, the quartet shows a very good work, indeed. The very good guitar riffs (and melodic solos) from "Lower than Filth" and "Reanimate", the bitter and charming slow appeal of "The Loss" (what means a solid work from bass guitar and drums), the Thrash Metal  rage felt on the melodic lines and harmonies of "Razors Edge" (something can remind from "Show No Mercy" and "Hell Awaits" on the riffs), and the slow parts with a heavy rhythm of "Apathy" (the grunts are showing different tunes in some moments, a feature that can be best explored in the future) are the ones for a first visit on their work.

These guys really have a future, and if SKELETAL can have a chance, "Bitterness and Burning Hatred" can show a rising name for the future.