Like a fine Whiskey, ATROCITY’s brand of savage Death/Grind has simply gotten better with age. “Contaminated” is a re-release with alternative versions of songs from the bands “Infected” recording sessions from 1990.

The bio draws similarities between the band’s sound and early NAPALM DEATH, and it is honestly right on the money. ATROCITY combine savage sections of blasting with thick chugging Death Metal riffs and weird jagged solos. They are at their strongest when they hit the thick grooving Punk riffs that sound a lot like “Scum”-era NAPALM DEATH. The vocals are raw as hell, and sound appropriately pissed off. The production is dirtier than a nun’s crumpet, but still has plenty of heft during the grooving sections.

All in all this is a killer EP, and will certainly go down well with fans of NAPALM DEATH, TERRORIZER and REPULSION. Open Grave records are offering it for a mere six dollars, which is a small price to pay for some quality vintage Death/Grind. Recommended.

(Online June 8, 2007)