After five years of waiting Necrophagia’s new album “The Divine Art Of Torture” is finally here. These gore pioneers return with a genuine masterpiece. After forming the band in the 80’s, releasing numerous albums and surviving all the trends, Killjoy and co. are still alive! Necrophagia’s trademark, characteristic horror samples and passages alternated with musical parts, are truly breathtaking. From the first seconds of “Blaspheme The Body” to the end (“Ze Do Caixao”) this album takes you on a true horror trip. The complex song structures keep you focussed throughout the album and that’s quite unique for these kind of bands. Vocalist Killjoy’s vocal capacities range from screams to spoken word to grunts and take this music to a higher level. Without losing energy Frediablo’s and Fug’s hard hitting guitars (yet sometimes very melodic) guide you through this story.

Punchy, rhythmic drums, tight bass performance and (how can I forget) the characteristic horror samples complete this amazing record. Most impressive songs are “Blaspheme The Body” and “The Sick Room”, but don’t get misled by this, because every (and I mean every) single track on this album is outstanding! “The Divine Art Of Torture” is definitely one of the essential extreme releases of 2003. Killjoy, Frediablo, Fug, Iscariah, Mirai and Titta Tani created a monstrous record that sets new standards for this genre. If you want to behold these pioneers then you are lucky indeed, because their tour schedule will lead them to Europe this spring, so catch them live if you can. I know I will!