the fourth full length of deathrite. i have all the previous ones and they evolved from complete grindcore massacre on "deathrite" and "into extinction" into a more death metal orientated monster on "revelation of chaos". but to be honest, i had a hard time to find any songs of that records in my long time memory. i do enjoy them but nothing really stucks in my head. so i made this new album my make-it-or-break-it release. burn down the house or forget about them.
well, the first thing that hits one like a sledge hammer when listening to "nightmares reign" is the production. wow, pretty low-fi. it's rumbling at all ends and sounds very unpolished and raw. next thing is the song-writing. it is like a different band. loads of black metal parts, a bit grindcore and less death metal. but everything smoothly balanced and with a distinctive design. i still don't know if it is my taste but the band definitely took a bold step with that record without losing their integrity.
usually i love band evolution like that and i think, "nightmares reign" will be a grower. what is my taste without a doubt is the presentation of the album. wonderful artwork throughout the gatefold sleeve by wæik, i love the colour combinations. furthermore there is an insert with all the lyrics, a cd of the album and a folded poster with the cover art. to round out the set, century media pressed a lovely mint green 180g vinyl platter out of 200 copies. ordered through nuclear blast. century media. 2018.
