By now you probably know that Razorback delivers a consistent style and quality with a seemingly endless supply of bands. Japan’s Zombie Ritual is their latest offering and you wont be surprised to hear thrashing death grind in the style of later Carcass. Zombie Ritual are top-rate writers and arrangers and seem like a seasoned band. Efficient solos and a great driving bass tone are the standout elements but the entire package is strong and well produced. A great creepy feel is created by dark and occasionally dissonant melodies but they rarely stray too far from the thrashing death formula. There is a weird make-out part near the middle-end of track 7. "Zombie Axe Murder" featuring a two-doobie harmonized solo that will have Neal Schon fans reaching for their encore lighters. Track 9 starts with cowbell so you know that rules - cowbells rule. A typical two-pronged vocal attack delivers the message of zombies, beer and more zombies. If they are drunk you can’t tell because the performances are tight and skillfully executed. Jake from Tales Of Uranus did the art so you know its creepy cartoon gore that rules. The packaging includes cool band photos in zombie get-ups. I don’t know what’s up with Japan and gender benders but what the hell is that tall longhaired thing in Zombie Ritual? If Cher and Rozz from Christian Death had sex and buried the baby in the yard for 20 years it would look like "Vlood". I’d like to see them live so I could yell something like "free drinks for the ladies" or "I love your shoes" to see if it looks up. Some may take issue with the fact that the entire Razorback roster has a bit of a similar feel but why bother when it’s all good? If you are listening to these bands you are not looking for original and creative bands - you are looking for solid thrashing gory death and Zombie Ritual does that well.

Written By: Mr. Budd