Damage Assessment is the fourth full length release of Dutch death metallers Houwitser and their second for Osmose. From the very beginning of Houwitser they`ve always aimed to play some old fashioned no nonsense death metal and with this latest output they didn`t stray far from their path.

Houwitser began as a project of Sinister member Aad and ex-Sinister bass player Michel. After some time 2 new members were added in the form of vocalist Mike (ex-Sinister) and Theo (ex-Judgement Day/Thanatos). In spring 1999 Displeased Records released their debut Death...But Not Buried, which was an instant success in the reviving Dutch death metal scene.

After this, original singer Mike left and a replacement was found in the person of Arjaan “Djortzzz”. After a year he also left and current singer Stan was added to the band. On Rage Inside The Womb he didn’t convince me at all but on Damage Assessment he certainly does.

Comparing the two albums I must say Houwitser made a remarkable progression. On Rage... they sound dull and uninspired and the production was likewise. This time however the tracks are better written, better played and better recorded. Strange thing is that both albums were recorded at the famous Excess studios with Hans Pieters as producer. The sound is now, although better produced, more in line with their debut. Their image also is now more focused on military stuff instead of gore which suits the band more. The tracks are sewn together with samples of machineguns and cannons, thus inducing a pretty aggressive atmosphere

Houwitser will never be the most technical death metal band on earth but is certainly able to play some devastating death metal.

Houwitser website