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International Death/Thrash Metal act Voodoo Gods, formed in Tampa, Florida in 2001 under the Shrunken Head moniker, is considered a "super-group" of musicians who have all earned their spurs in many other bands (both ex- and current).

Voodoo Gods' debut 4-track EP, Shrunken Head, released in 2008, brought quite a lot of attention to the band, whose lineup includes Nergal of Behemoth on vocals, Mike Browning of Nocturnus A.D./After Death, etc. on percussion and vocals, Seth Van de Loo of Severe Torture/Centurian, etc. on vocals, David "Shred Demon" Shankle formerly of Manowar and many others.

Now, six years after their debut EP, Voodoo Gods, have released their debut full-length studio album, Anticipation for Blood Leveled in Darkness. The lineup has been strengthened with vocals from George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (best known for his work with Cannibal Corpse). A lot of attention to detail has been paid on this album of challenging, complex, melodic and smooth-flowing Thrash and Death Metal. There's a modern-sounding approach on this album, as well, with some of the guitar parts similar to the Neoclassical vibe found on Nocturnus' album, The Key. George sounds like George, perhaps not as mean and harsh as in Cannibal Corpse, but still retaining his characteristic guttural grunts. Also, and I guess I am not the only one who noticed, but there's sort of a "Gothenburg" feel to Voodoo Gods' sound; it's as brutal as it is melodic, employing many of the same elements that Swedish bands used during the heyday of the melo-Death Metal scene. In that sense, it's good to hear this type of stuff done nowadays, even as the Voodoo Gods perfectly match brutality with melody. When it comes to the lead work, at times it sounds like the spirit of Chuck Schuldiner paid a visit to the recording sessions. Jacek Hiro (also in Sceptic and Dies Irae) is the guilty party for all this amazing guitar work.

Anticipation for Blood Leveled in Darkness doesn't necessarily move any mountains but it's still a well-crafted and enjoyable debut album from Voodoo Gods. Check it out.