Coming from Portland , Oregon, which is a town several atmospheric,  and very interesting bands have come from, It is time to get into "Communion in Anguish , the 4th record from death /grind/noise hybrids Tithe. This one is a little out of the wheelhouse of what I normally listen to, that being said the multi genre approach here is absolutely a worthwhile listen.

The album starts with "Nostrum" , which is a 3 minute audio assault reminiscent of early Napalm Death and the subtlety of a mortar shot. Right away you hear the hybrid of death, noise ,and grind on full display with a dual vocal attack ….. You will also hear a little bit of a black metal influence too , always a good thing when a band can incorporate different styles in an effortless manner. "At the Altar of Starving Children" is next and at 6:30 we see Tithe being capable of making longer songs and doing it well. The brutality and dual vocal assault continues , with some well timed tempo changes thrown in, lyrically ,the theme of systematic brutality definitely gets it's point across , making you think as well as headbang. "Ostiary" is next and starts with a doomy riff that again shows the band's ability to mix it up before the sledgehammer gets going again, this one is a workout for Kevin Swartz behind the drums who blasts away throughout the song, it's impressive a 3 piece can create these layered sounds. 

"The Fruits of Spiritual Apartheid" again sees the band not shying away from social commentary lyrically, nor a doomy atmospheric intro musically. Once things get going it's more anvil to the head death/grind with the drumming standing out once again, as well as the high/low alternating dual vocals . The 8 minute "Shallow Grave of Retribution" shows once again the ability to stretch things out, without sounding tepid. Lyrical themes of betrayal and deceit starting with…. play the victim , use your friends, suck them dry. The dungeon metal sound musically and the alternating tortured screams are not for the faint of heart , but absolutely well done. The album closes with "Burn the Throne of God" which pulls no punches both musically and lyrically and is a good way to close an impressive record.

All in all , this is a record that will appeal to fans of grind, death, as well as noisecore, it may not be for everyone, but the layering , brutality, and lyrical themes are top notch , my only true complaint is the record can sound a little jumbled at times , but it's a small complaint considering the good here. I absolutely look forward to hearing more from these guys, and catching them live one day.