It's been a few years since Extol has blessed us with a full length. Inbetween then and now they released one EP, however that was a Europe only release so scarse are copies floating around the US. Extol is a metal band. And metal is not a reference to the nu metal crap. Or the Metalcore crap. Extol is authentic and they're extreme.

Extol was introduced to the world with their first full length cd titled, "Burial" and was released to the US through Solid State Records. That record was a dark, brooding death/black metal project that blew the minds of metalheads everywhere. They had a knack for weaving the guitar parts so that your head swirls. Which legends of their live show tell is what they did with their mad long hair. A constant, swirling windmill.

After one underappriciated EP they released their second full length, "Undecieved." This one had a cleaner sound and was better produced. They added violins to several of the songs. But there was a definate change in sound. The songs were more straightforward. It was beefier, yet leaner at the same time.

Now, after one mystery EP we have this, their third effort. At least half of them have cut their hair and are going with an indie snob look. Here we have what is being called more of a "thrash" effort. Yes, it is another sleight change in sound. Clean vocals, while not dominant, do take more of a center stage. The guitars have a better tone and are not painfully over-produced, they retain a gritty feel that was lost on "Undecieved". The unclean vocals are the biggest change. Where before they were more of a low growl, they are more of a high-pitched (yet still gruff) yelp.

The first track, "Grace for Succession", starts off with a great guitar part. The second guitar then rips in with a wonderful complementary piece. There are some sweet clean vocals that are featured several places in the song that fit really well with the instruments. Even with the vocal change, the song works really well.

The songs have a simular complexity like on "Burial" and should satisfy metalheads more than "Undecieved". Extol continues their legacy as one of the best metal bands in the business. If you buy one metal cd this year, do yourself a favor and check this out.

peace.