Playing a combination of Thrash and Death Metal can easily go sideways, when a band hasn't got the balance and their priorities right. In the twenty years that the Swiss band TOTAL ANNIHILATION have been playing this combination, they obviously have been able to get their act together in just the right way. The latest proof of this statement is to be heard on "Mountains of Madness", which was released on 16 January 2026. This is very much an extremely intense and very intimidating record by a band that does like to go fast, but also has the ability and possibility to make sure there is enough variation and diversity in their music to keep it all interesting.

Whereas TOTAL ANNIHILATION is going from fast to ultra-speed on "Mountains of Madness", the most impressive song is the one where the vary from medium pace to fast. That also happens to be the title song, making "Mountains of Madness" the best song on the album for me. What I do like is that mainly due to the way vocalist Daniel Altwegg not only sounds, but also forms his vocal lines, in combination with the music on offer here, you will regularly be transported back to "Beneath The Remains" era SEPULTURA. Obviously not on the ultra-fast songs or parts, but on the bits and pieces as well as tracks just below that you will find that this does happen. Is that a problem? Not at all, as I feel that TOTAL ANNIHILATION is capable of nearing or even surpassing the quality of their peers on those occasions.

Even though I have quite a good understanding of the English language, I have to admit that there is one title that had me stumped, so I looked it up. The explanation of "Nyctophobia" is that it is an intense, irrational fear of the dark or night-time, often causing severe anxiety, panic attacks, and physical symptoms like sweating or nausea. Now you can't claim that my review isn't without educational purpose any more. But back to the impression I have of "Mountains of Madness". This really is a very good album, with some very good Death/Thrash Metal, and for just over 40 minutes you will be able to forget the world around you while you either bang your head, tap your foot or go completely apeshit after turning the volume up to maximum. Thank you TOTAL ANNILHILATION for providing me with a neck hernia…..