Two years after their lackluster debut, WARFATHER are back at it again with their sophomore LP "The Grey Eminence". Headed by Steve Tucker and produced by Erik Rutan (both of MORBID ANGEL fame), WARFATHER is gaining traction and is shaping up to be a great improvement over their first album, which didn't quite live up to the hype. Tucker headed MORBID ANGEL during what was arguably their peak and fans certainly had high expectations for his latest project. Played with a sort of militant savagery that goes beyond the norm "The Grey Eminence"is a much more fleshed-out Sludge/Black Metal album than its predecessor.

A drum riff in the vein of war-drums kicks us off before the unadulterated brutally comes crashing down in the opener "Orders of the Horde". "Headless Men Can No Longer Speak" sets up the rhythm with a bassline before really dropping the hammer; I always appreciate a band taking the time to lay down a real bassline. Sometimes in heavier subgenres, people get into the mindset that it is better to hit as hard and as fast as possible, losing the complex flow that can really enthrall a listener, but WARFATHER doesn't shy away from it, letting the savagery bore into your skull and demand respect.

"For Glory or Infamy" is a particularly savage piece that isn't anything special but sometiems you just wanna get hit over the head with a monstrous track and this one doesn't just scratch that itch, it demolishes it; though honestly, any of the tracks here could do the same. "Heedless Servant" also brings in gutteral vocals and wailing guitars, with long instrumental segments.

While "The Grey Eminence" doesn't really bring anything fresh to the table creatively, it is a more cohesive and successful album than the first WARFATHER outing. Now that WARFATHER have stepped up, I can't wait to hear their next album, which will hopefully help them find their own unique voice. "The Grey Eminence" could easily make it onto some Top 10 Lists of 2016, so follow the link, give it a listen, and prepare to bow before his eminence, the mighty WARFATHER.