Half way between Moscow and Karan, where the River Oka and Volga meet, sits the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod, the home to WOMBRIPPER. The three-piece outfit having recently released their second studio album, and the subject of today's review "Macabre Melodies".

The album artwork is befitting that from the Death Metal genre. Morbid and nightmarish figures dominating the cover, however there is also a hat tip to the name of the album, with the presence of a ghoulish harp player. Opening with "Possessed By Unknown", instantly one is hit by the powerful sound that WOMBRIPPER want to project. A relentless and energetic opening track that lays down a statement of intent. "Join Undead" continues the energetic and breathless performance, whilst also allowing to show flashes of the more delicate and intricate before the intensity is once again upped with "Obscurity Depths" the deep and meaty bass line to bring in the song, coupled with some sublime guitar runs later on made for very enjoyable listening.

Speaking of the intent to play music, and actually produce something that is memorable, I urge any of you that check this band out to listen to "Shredded Corpse Remains". The combination of all facets merges together in glorious synchronicity and create something truly special; words would not do it justice it HAS to be heard. Take the intensity seen throughout thus far and consider it child's play, "Wicked Breed" is here to show you how it is done. The impenetrable wall of unrelenting music just batters and weathers against the listener in the most excruciatingly enjoyable fashion.

As we leave the first half of the album, "Macabre Void" is there to bridge the gap. A minute and a half of dissonant and disturbing sounds that put you on the edge of your seat for what is to come. And what an arrival it is; the depth of the music create by WOMBRIPPER is incredible for a simple three-piece, but time and time again they are delivering top class tracks that would rival the best of Death Metal. The record continues to project enjoyable and skilfull tracks, culminating in the 7-minute epic "Fractures". This brings everything together and ties up the loose ends in a final demonstration of WOMRIPPER's talent and love of their craft.

Overall, this is a fantastic album. A must have to anyone's libraries WOMBRIPPER will continue to grow and go from strength to strength with their own unique offerings into the Death Metal sphere. This has to be up there with my favourite releases of this year.