Imagine putting Symphonies of Sickness, Necroticism and Heartwork by Carcass into a car crusher together and that sound is Impaled. Having a lot to live up to since the excellent Death After Life (2005), the Californians have managed to use these influences with a sprinkle of Slaughter of the Soul to create something dangerous and alive. This recipe has spawned a groove-ridden goretastic riff-fest that uses its Carcass influences well to create something altogether original.

Okay, step one. Banned artwork featuring blindfolded victim with an entire collection of internal organs piled up on the floor having being removed via the mouth. Check. Stage two? Military/medical aesthetics. Check. Stage three. Song titles including gory puns on everyday phrases? See “Sickness is Health” “Torture of Duty” and “All Gut, No Glory” (the latter of which has an unbelievably awesome down tempo gore-groove). Check.

This is not to say the music is by the book, oh no! Luckily, Impaled have a vast reservoir of inspiration which they have 24/7 access to and The Last Gasp is just a darned good album irrespective of how derivative the sound may be. Lots of gruesome leads, heavy chugging and appropriate blasting make a salacious concoction, but some of the grind has been replaced with thrashier riffs and some bluesy licks a la Amott’s work on Heartwork.

Surely it is a show of concrete stamina and resolve in making four heavily Carcass influenced albums and keeping each one independent and robust? The Last Gasp is no exception and strikes gold with every track, equalling the achievements of last album, 2005’s Death After Life.

Each and every song bores its way into your head and they will refuse to leave. Impaled have just reiterated why their discography is so highly revered, and if you want my advice, try to catch them on tour with Origin in the UK for an unmissable show.

www.myspace.com/impaled