Pulverizing death metal that reminds me of Krisiun and to a much lesser extent Behemoth around the time of “Thelema.6” is what we have here, and the Spanish horde known as Infernal Hate has unleashed a brutal slab of music that is as catchy as it is crushing. Although “The Order of the Black Kestrel” is arguably a tad derivative from a purely musical perspective in the sense that they offer nothing new, the songs possess more than enough hooks and grooves to keep me entertained and engaged throughout, and there is something about its dark and menacing vibe that appeals to me. With respect to its sound, things are thoroughly rough around the edges yet punchy and that suits such juggernauts as “Ex Nihilo” and “Empirical Knowledge” perfectly. If you want hyper-speed lunacy, then fret not as “Black Crows Over the Horizon” will do the trick for you. A few thrash metal influences sneak into the frame too, which is exemplified by the tracks “The Hidden Knife”, “Lies Against Humanity”, and “I Sovereign”, and they add a wicked flavor to the music.

“The Order of the Black Kestrel” contains more than enough meaty riffs, blistering passages, and gut-piercing vocals to satisfy your thirst, and even though you may have heard it all before, it is undoubtedly a memorable output with a sick charm to it.