Valkyrja
"Contamination"
(Metal Blade)

These Swedes have been thru quite a few changes since their unholy incarnation in 2004 so I'm unclear if they're style has always been the same but no matter, "Contamination" makes its worthy mark as a modern version of the original Scandinavian black metal style pioneered by the likes of Mayhem and followed on by Emperor and Primordial who later polished more with hyperspeed double bass drumming, post apocalytic punk style riffing and tortured vocals all played in the most evil and macabre fashion. And so it is with Valkyrja, who polish it still some more with increased musicianship, superb production and of course, an abundant supply of steriods! From the thrashing 'Oceans To Dust' to the evil ambience of 'A Womb Of Disease' to the haunting deathcrush of 'The Adversarial Incentive Within All' (as well as a cool original style undergound cover), Sweden now stands ready to carry on the flame first lit by the Norge!

-Shan Siva