It was not that long ago when LanzerRath released An Infinite Instant, their third full-length album. It was a fantastic display of dark fury. "Cosmic Theriac" is one of the best black metal songs I've heard in years. Now they have released another full-length called Metagalactic Domination. They formed five years ago and they're already proving themselves to be extremely productive. Even more impressive is their ability to maintain a high level of quality.
They waste no time. As soon as the album starts, they hit you with an uncompromising assault. The production is just as impeccable as it was on their previous works. It remains clear while still possessing a gripping atmosphere. The drums continue to play a collection of raging blast beats, slow rhythms, and more complex arrangements, the best of which can be found on "Shackled by Perdition". This time around they also include some thrashing d-beats and upbeat rhythms to go along with them, and they make sure to punctuate everything with excellent fills.
The vocals still consist of angry rasps and beastly growls. They're the same as they were on the previous album, so I can't say much other than that they're performed extremely well and express a wide range of dark emotions. However, they do change things up a bit by including blood-curdling screams at the beginning of "Sin and Innocence". The guitars continue to amaze. They place more of an emphasis on thrashing chord progressions this time around, but they still include plenty of sinister tremolo riffs. The melody infused within them further amplifies the bleak atmosphere. The most surprising new addition are the solos. Some are fast and frantic, like the one on "A New Torment Begins". Others are slow and somber, like the one on "Shackled by Perdition". My favorite is the one on "Galactic Will of Oppression", as it shows just how technically skilled the band has become.
LanzerRath have once again outdone themselves. Metagalactic Domination is more polished, more complex, and more compelling than anything they had recorded previously. Very few bands existing today have this much energy, ambition, and creativity. They truly have a gift for music.