When evolution takes its toll on music, new things arise, and older ones go (or not) to the grave. This set of dynamical aspects is what makes a Metalhead proud, because he/she can have the best of the past and present alike. The only thing that bands must understand: to make what is already done in musical terms can be a dangerous experience. And besides "Cursed to the Pyre" is not a bad album at all, SLAUGHTER MESSIAH must mature a bit more.

The Belgian quartet is another one that follows the same formula for Old School Death/Black/Thrash Metal that SODOM, KREATOR and DESTRUCTION helped to build in the 80s with their earlier works. It's not a sin to bear such influences, but their musical talent is being hidden by the shadows of their musical backgrounds (and the band has experienced musicians who played on bands as ENTHRONED). In few words: they must evolve to become different from many other bands in this same musical genre that are infesting the scene, if they want to have a career on music.

The band produced the album, leaving the mixing on the hands of Chris Menning (aka Mersus, the same one who worked previously with ATTIC, KETZER and DESTRÖYER 666), who did a very good work, trying to mix the old crude feeling that many bands want with a high level of instrumental definition. Obviously it's not perfect (it's not Chris fault, mind you), because the instrumental tunes could be better, to make the songs sound not as moldy as they actually do.

The crude energy of "From the Tomb Into the Void" (that shows some good technical moments from bass guitar and drums), the fast and furious "Mutilated by Depths" (very good guitar riffs, indeed), the brutal and nasty approach of "Hideous Affliction" and "Descending to Black Fire", the very good rhythmic changes presented on "Pyre" (where V. Viriakh makes some guest backing vocals), and "Fog of the Malevolent Sore" are the ones right for a first time on the band's work.

"Cursed to the Pyre" is not a bad release, but it shows that feeling that 'it could be better'. But SLAUGHTER MESSIAH really has talent enough to be great, to show how they can do better than is heard on this album.