Under the HeX of Amdusias

I think our beloved chief editor used this mini CD as a frisbee, since the thing was released over a year ago!
Unjustly, because from the first double bass attack of the opening track "Renouncement" one thing became very clear to me, Virulent belongs to the Dutch uppercrust of Death Metal bands.
A bold statement, I know. Yet, while the band is active for 'only' three years now, Virulent shows with the release of "Under The Hex Of Amdusias" that it is possible to create a mature sound, influenced by Morbid Angel. Something that is mainly based on the feel of certain riffs and leadparts of guitarists Rene and Bert.
Drummer Maarten plays at a verocious speed that contributes to the overall brutality of this professionally pressed disc, containing 5 tracks with a total playing time of almost 22 minutes.
Virulent likes variety in their songwriting though, "Cult Of The Magna Mares" and the last track "Necropolis" are bulking with tempo changes, the title track is simply perfect and "Renouncement" stays in your head for a long time.
The vocals of Jorre are sometimes a bit too 'high' where to my humble opinion a somewhat deeper grunt was in place, but that's a rather personal taste.
In short, musically, "Under The Hex Of Amdusias" is one of the best Dutch releases of the year 2000, a must-have for all maniacs that go hard on brutal Death Metal. My compliments to this band that achieved such a level of musicianship in only three years time!