I wasn't able to gather much information about this band. Formed in Russia around the turn of this past decade, "Syberia" is the band's debut album. The album has eight songs. "Intro" is just that; an instrumental mood-setter, that leads to "Epitome of Fear." It comes in with filth…a coating of debris that is back and constricting. The vocals are mostly guttural, although they rise at times, and there are plenty of obligatory pig squeals in the guitars. "Devilish Prophecies" is as sinister as the title, beginning with the infamous "devil's fifth" guitar riff that BLACK SABBATH made popular 50 years ago. It quickly moves to a deeply aggressive and chaotic sound, along with some harrowing tones. "Decapitate the Saints" is a concept I believe a lot of us could get on board with. It's a mid-tempo song that pushes the bottom end of the deep into the forefront.

"Ascent to the Crucifixion" features more frightening tones from the guitar riffs and the guttural vocals. One thing that is a little unusual about the album is that you can hear the riff movement, and they use the devil's fifth once more. "Invocation" is faster and even more aggressive, and it comes to you like a freight train careening off the tracks. It slows to a deadlier sound at times, and from there it toggles back and forth between the pacing. "The Sign of Blasphemy" has a deep, cavernous sound that sounds like it comes from the depth of the underworld. The riffs explore a bit here, which keeps the energy of the song moving forward. "Father of Sin" is the final offering, and it has a wicked sound, almost as if someone is facing torture for eternity.

Overall, this was a solid album. It didn't necessarily offer anything new to the genre, but it had plenty of element Death Metal fans will enjoy, including crushing riffs, horrid vocals, and harrowing sounds. It's the kind of album you wouldn't want to pair for a date with your sister…or on second thought, maybe you would?