Brazilian death metal trio Krisiun are back once again with their long awaited follow up to 2006’s AssassiNation and their seventh full-length release Southern Storm.

With some eighteen years experience behind them, Krisiun (who comprise of vocalist/bassist Alex Camargo, guitarist Moyses Kolesne and drummer Max Kolesne, all of whom are brothers) know exactly what sound they are after, and what their legion of fans expect of them. And sure enough, on Southern Storm, Krisiun deliver thirteen uncompromising slabs of technically proficient death metal brutality.

Despite having produced countless albums that remain true to the band’s trademark sound, Krisiun still manage to impress with their sheer power and level of aggression, as evident on the opening track “Slaying Steel.” Moyses’ innovative riff structures, Max’s relentless drumming and Alex’s demonic growls and underpinning rumbling bass combine into one huge power statement of intent, and one that couldn’t be mistaken as coming from anyone other than Krisiun.

The follow-up tracks “Sentenced Morning,” “Combustion Inferno” and “Twisting Sights” show a stepping up in speed and battering of the senses without losing the melodic edge that’s commonly attached to Krisiun’s sound, while the slower and hammering efforts “Minotaur” and “Massacre Under The Sun,” the band more than prove their diversity.

From here on in, the trio continue to impress with every track every bit as consistent and worthy as the next, with “Origin Of Terror,” “Sons Of Pest” and “Whore Of The Unlight” (which is preceded by the short building introduction piece “Black Wind”) definite stand out cuts on the second half of the album.

In what has become a bit of tradition of late, Krisiun have also included a cover on Southern Storm in Sepultura’s “Refuse/Resist.” While the track lacks the desperation of the original, the band’s rendition remains true to the original for the most part, with the cover working well overall alongside the band’s originals.

Fans of Krisiun’s past will be suitably impressed with the band’s latest effort. But for those unfamiliar with the Brazilians, I highly recommend checking out Southern Storm if brutal and technically proficient death metal is what you’re on the look out for.

www.krisiun.com.br