Al-Namrood has been at this a long time. Their eighth album is shorter and perhaps a bit less adventurous than previous efforts, but anyone unfamiliar with this Saudi band's output would scratch their head in wonderment at that statement.

Al-Namrood Worship the Degenerate (Shaytan Productions)

Employing riffage that would make Slayer blush, slyly incorporating Middle Eastern melodies and rhythms and wrapping everything up in a black metal sheen, Al-Namrood blisters its way through six bone-crushing songs. The band's synthesis of metal trends of the past thirty years remains innovative and refreshing--not to mention totally invigorating.

While it is technically true that the band members face potential death sentences for their stances on religion (they're against), I think a lot of that stuff is overblown. Like I noted earlier, this is the band's eighth album. If someone in power wanted them gone, they'd be gone. Nonetheless, the whole "death metal band facing an unfair death sentence" is always good press.

Totally unnecessary press, as the music more than speaks for itself. Al-Namrood found its mature sound years ago, and this is yet another expression. Like many reviewers, I would like to hear more than an EP's worth of music. But anything new from this band is always a cause for celebration. Quite the fever rush.

Jon Worley