Label hype or not, a mixture of black metal, death metal and a touch of thrash isn't exactly going sell itself in 2007. But unlike the numerous other outfits who pack the same strengths behind their punch, Daath are not the usual well-manicured post-metalcore crew. In fact, there isn't even a touch of corpse paint or a bullet belt to be found in their promo shots either. Thus, their Roadrunner debut has already piqued the interest of many, if not for that, then for the fact it was also co-produced alongside the band with none other than James Murphy of Death/Testament fame.

With such a pedigree one might expect this to be a return to the early days of Roadrunner. Those long gone days back when indecipherable band logos and dudes with long hair in Bermuda shorts reigned supreme. Alas this is not the case, for as much as Daath look to the past, their music retains much of a modern aesthetic and appeal. Still, while the lyrical content is centered around the kabalistic concept of an inverted tree of life (for serious,) the music thankfully doesn't sound as pompous as such idealism would imply.

Instead it's flush with the Euro black metal traits of stirring, yet subtle symphonics, harsh thrashing speed and some colossal death technicality. Think the likes of Deadlock or even Cradle Of Filth without the drama club antics and you'll get the picture for the most part. It's gritty, well-produced and thankfully not overtly gothic or gore cheesy. In fact, aside from the awful faux industrial "Dead On The Dance Floor", pretty much everything here connects. It's not revolutionary by any means, but it also doesn't sound bastardized or trite. With songs that are well-written, decidedly non-mainstream and the cliche lyrical routes being avoided, there really isn't much here to hinder these boys at all.