Although they've been around since the late '80s, this is only the third full-length from Swedish thrashers Mezzrow. The Bay Area influence is unmistakable, with Metallica, Testament, and a touch of Slayer sitting right at the forefront of their sound. Uffe Pettersson delivers a strong vocal performance, his burly and commanding voice adding considerable weight to the material.

As for the riffs, they are heavy and reasonably aggressive, but they're not always particularly memorable—except when the band truly lets loose, as on "Inside the Burning Twilight." Unfortunately, those moments are somewhat sparse, and the slick modern production doesn't help, further dulling the album's edge. There are still standout passages, such as parts of "Sleeping Cataclysm" and scattered moments throughout the record, but overall the album feels like it falls just short of its potential.