Claws of the Mantis

Beatrix is, as you might have already guessed, yet another blackthrashing horde from the land of Cold Lakes (no reference to Celtic Frost). But alas, if you think you're dealing with a bunch of dudes playing Venom/Bathory stuff while getting drunk on cheap beer, you'd better think again! These lads know what they're doing, and there's no better way to prove it than this first attack named "Claws of the Mantis".

The production is raw, just like a demo should be, but not too messy: each instrument can be heard distinctively and the overall soundscape is just killer. The alchemy between the members of the band is evident especially in the trickiest parts, the performance is always tight and right on the spot. The songwriting is another strong point of this release: these maniacs surely know how to deliver furious, fast-paced sonic assaults (for the joy of Nifelheim fans), but instead of just blasting their way through the whole record, they throw some slower, somewhat atmospheric sections (with sporadic hints of NWOBHM) into the cauldron, and the way they blend everything together is, in my opinion, quite brilliant considering that we're talking about the band's very first release.

This demo is highly recommended to those who appreciate the good old black/thrash/death of the 80s (Necrodeath, early Sepultura, Sarcofago, Morbid, Kreator...), and serves as most appropriate introduction to this band, which I'll be sure to keep an eye on for further releases.

The Mantis has just started to prey, and she looks hungry as hell!