At first listens, I get the sense of a more euro sounding Overkill, if they had more of the black metal sound, if that makes any sense. Also they are reminiscent of Necrophobic and their first album The Nocturnal Silence. Another thing that further solidifies my Overkill assessment, is the bass rumbles in the music and the little “solo” moments of bassist Rybosh (on the song “The Viper’s Nest”). Things really remind me of DD Verni’s bass stylings and I just dig that stuff!

The thrash elements are prominent enough and give you some brief headbanging moments. “The Masterpiece of Lie” being being a prime example with its thrashier guitars. Vocalist Rambo brings a bit of the black metal rasp in his approach and makes the music a not so typical thrash metal affair. With some thrash acts, that have that really chunky guitar/catchy sound and create those moshpit inducing riffs, Bloodthirst take that but morph it and add their own history and influence, creating their own dark sound.

To further the blackness of the material, take a look at the song titles such as “No God Shall Stand Before the Pope” or “The Reign of the Antichrist” and you get a good idea what you are getting into and also with the amazing cover art. Having taken a look at the darker stylings of the coin, I have to say that I don’t get that immediate thrash vibe as much. The beginning of “Sacco di Roma” starts with that fast chugging riffing but the black element creeps in and sort of mutes the moshpit feelings. Not a bad thing necessarily as it definitely adds some color to the proceedings making the songs not as one dimensional, but just maybe don’t come in expecting to start a “Toxic Waltz” when listening to this. The production and the band get the job done; the sound is clean and clear. I do wish however that the guitar was a bit more chunkier and overall the sound be bit warmer (again, that darkness thing), even if it’s not a critical issue per se.

Another thing to add, which I have been pleased with as of late with some bands and releases, is that this being an EP, a huge expense is not needed. You get plenty of bang for your buck for a about five bucks and a great introduction to a band with atypical approach to the metal genre.