Divine:Decay

Though it originated in the cold Finnish winter, the second release from Divine:Decay could have just as easily arisen from the smoggy warmth of South-western U.S. Overwhelmingly under the influence of ’80s Bay area thrash, especially bands like Testament, Maximize the Misery manages to avoid sounding dated or completely retro. Moving quickly onward, the album is strong on speed and vitality, with thick rhythm guitars, solid melodies and commanding leads. Tracks like "Killing Innocence” and "Silence of Decades” add a modern flavour to a familiar formula and make the flashback well worthwhile.