The title kinda says it all: Aura Noir were big fans of metal variants pioneered both in their homeland and two countries to the south. Although the Cobra Commander vocals and frenetic drumming encompass the “black” part of the attack, the guitar groove pays homage to Teutonic thrash legends Kreator and Destruction. The hybrid works – the infernal overkill of the 80s German thrashers melds perfectly with black metal berserker rage. Pure primeval mayhem.

– Jeff Treppel