Growing up in Russia and Isreal gives Rabies Caste a unique outlook for what is a western dominated genre. Both countries have been under great hardships and it seems Rabies Caste chose music as their form of cathartic release. Having honed their skills over a number of years in the underground scene, this is their first effort on such a grand scale having signed to Earache Records, but in contrast they sound as confident as any band on their 3rd or 4th record yet with the hunger and creativeness associated with debut offerings.

They go about their aural assault in a throbbing and impassioned way like a ship being tossed from side to side in a storm. Never have I been met with such a heavily distorted vocal and whether it's the bendy guitar sound of "Prove Me" or the ominous sounds of "The Bleeding Mermaid" that hang over you like a dark cloud, this is pure unadultearted sludge. Whilst most bands of this type give production an after thought, the quality of this recording helps it stand head and shoulders above some of their contemporaries with an almost analogue feel. Speaking of contemporaries, Neurosis and Unsane come to mind with RC having taken their blueprint, submerged it in merky waters and proceeded to play it in slow motion whilst hitting the standard play button from time to time. RC have found their place and songs like "Heamophillia" are unlikely to ever bore you but there are two or three fillers that will quickly tire you with the repetivie nature of the sludge sounding genre prevailing. This was never going to be to everyones tastes but having said that RC should be able to cast their net far and wide enough to make an impact on those who never gave Neurosis, Unsane, Godflesh or even Today Is The Day more than a passing thought. For those that already listen to such music, Rabies Caste become somewhat of a necessity.