Every once in a while, an album comes out that fills a specific void in one's collection.  It seems my personal taste has been all over the map of heavy, but something has been missing.  When I heard "Samsara," the latest from VENOM PRISON, I knew exactly what that was.  Brutality.  I ended up listening to this album a few times and a few more times.  In fact, I've let it play multiple times consecutively, something I rarely do, but it enabled me to pick out more and more riffs each time.  For those unaware, VENOM PRISON is a relatively new band from South Wales that has now released its second album.  Theirs is a sound that starts with a template of modern Death Metal to which is added Hardcore elements here and there.  Simply put, it's a steel-toed curb kick, shattering jaws and smashing skulls.  VENOM PRISON stands ready to decimate the Earth, and it sounds so damn good!

The first track is "Matriphagy," and it slams immediately showcasing a variety of rhythms.  It is nothing short of a blistering onslaught of crushing fury.  The Metal gods have blessed VENOM PRISON with the gift of a never-ending supply of riffs.  They also know when to let one ride out a while and when to change things up.  By the time one gets through the first few tracks, it is clear what the band is all about - unrelenting beat-downs and gratuitous violence.  One of the tracks that certainly stands out is "Uterine Industrialisation," the third track.  It is a behemoth of manic blasts, tremolo picking, and dexterous, palm-muted grooves.  Undoubtedly, what stands out most is the nasty breakdown at the 3:37 mark.  If you don't immediately punch, kick, or break something after hearing that, well, you're a poser.

VENOM PRISON makes Metal for lovers of riffs, change-ups, blasts, and breakdowns.  Listening to the band is the aural equivalent of a Grindhouse film.  You know what you're getting going into the situation and it is delivered to the utmost degree of severity and intensity.  While so many Death Metal bands these days are obsessed over how technical they can make things, VENOM PRISON goes for the visceral, and it is so refreshing.  One can hear the tradition of HUMAN REMAINS, pioneers of this style who later became BURNT BY THE SUN.  At other times, one is reminded of SOILENT GREEN and their varied transitions, and of course of the aggressive Hardcore-infused Death Metal of INTERNAL BLEEDING as well as DYING FETUS.  Yet VENOM PRISON is by all means a singular entity, full of myriad fresh ideas.

"Asura's Realm," the sixth track, begins with a melodic intro that features an impressive active bass-line underneath.  it is a change-up from the material that precedes it on the album.  Soon, though, syncopated riffs meld with the abrasive vocals of Larissa Stupar, a girl with bigger balls than most Metal guys.  Simply put, she gives the impression that she could hold her own in just about any situation.  The eighth track, "Implementing the Metaphysics of Morals," features a complex set of harmonies.  Listening to the varied rhythms throughout, one has to wonder how the guitarists keep their hands from going numb and cramping - let alone the maniacal drummer who has to use all his limbs at all times!  The albums closes with its longest track, "Naraka," an epic near-six minute overview of VENOM PRISON's skills. If you've made it this far through the album and are not bleeding, consider yourself lucky.  Actually, play it again and get it right this time!

This is just what the scene needs now.  While nerds are posturing showing off their jazz scales, VENOM PRISON reminds us what it's all about.  The return of the breakdown is now!  VENOM PRISON has given Death Metal the kick to the crotch it needs with "Samsara".  I can only imagine how intense their live show would be.  For indulgent squeals, blasts, screams, chugs, and poignant, protracted, pummeling violence, look no further.  This is without a doubt going to make the year end's best-of list!