As if you didn't already know, Gates of Ishtar are a very underrated band. It seems like no one I talk to knows or has heard of them, which is a shame because they were an extrememly talented and stylish band. Let me describe their style a bit. They basically play a type of melodic death metal that is no holds barred, by that I mean they pull out all the stops on most every song and forge ahead constantly, keeping the fast thrash pace throughout most of the entire song. Of course, they mix it up once in a while, but overall...you get the idea. Think a mixture of Dissection and Razor. It's had a pretty unique sound actually. Basically if you're a fan of REAL melodic death metal (I'm not talking about the new Bodom album here) that is creative and inventive, you'll probably like these guys.
Now, I've heard all three of their albums (have yet to hear the demo though) and I'd have to say this one is probably the thrashiest out of the three. Not to say it's less original or anything, It just keeps up the no holds barred feel more than the other albums. Hell, I might even call this their defining album (by this time It seems like they had really nailed their style down). This is the kind of album you can listen to the whole way through and enjoy every minute. I'd be hard pressed to pick the best songs, but I think most would agree "Wounds" "The Nightfall" and "Battles To Come" are probably the most memorable, the first two being very pummeling yet highly emotional high-speed riff fests and the later being a very cool and melodic speed metal song.
Overall, if you're a fan of melodic death metal that's fast, thrashy, and epic in scale, check this, or any of their other albums out. You wont be dissapointed.