The debut full-length from New Orleans death/thrashers INCUBUS offers some absolutely engaging work that was simply beginning to take shape as the roots of death metal were still being explored and developed. While the music might still be considered thrash for the most part, the absolutely phenomenal work throughout here at developing the kind of tight, vicious thrash-based riffing gives this such a sense of boundless energy and full-throttle speed during their rampaging moments that there's a genuine sense of chaotic energy apparent throughout this as there's an unhinged and reckless piece of enthusiasm given to what's on display here.

This creates a series of savage, primitive riffs played at rather ferocious tempos all the while being augmented by blasting drumming and rabid, snarling vocals that are dirtier and far more demonic than most true thrash bands were doing at the time, truly giving this a feel more in line with where death metal was going than in staying in league with the
thrash scene at the time.

The groundwork for the genre is there in the unbridled speed and aggression that were to be found in the later works from the Floridian pioneers still experimenting with these sounds which would come into greater prominence in the next couple years that would solidify the genre as a whole, making this one of the most important and influential titles in the genre's history.

This is one of the most essential and important releases in the history of the genre, not just because of the lasting influence it's left behind by having scores of imitators taking cues from this release but also by containing such admittedly impressive material in the first place that it's a truly timeless release, definitely worth picking up if you're a true blue dyed-in-the-wool death metal fanatic or looking to get away from all the retro/throwback acts and give the real thing a chance.