Benedictum

Benedictum’s debut record roars like the choppers in the band’s promo shots, a lava-blasting volcano of classic heavy metal with contemporary power. Covers of "Heaven and Hell” and "The Mob Rules” let you know where Benedictum are coming from, but Uncreation is loud, vital and bleeds attitude, from the in-your-face challenge of tracks like "Misogyny” to the venom and emotion of epic closer "Valkyrie Rising.” Charging ahead like a locomotive, Benedictum goes for soaring leads, rich synths, a solid rhythmic concussion and a singer with a voice like a titanium angel of death. It’s a little over the top at times, but this kind of stuff oozes and feeds off a current of drama worthy of its forbears.