It is really not surprising that Candlelight records has lately been bombarding my inbox with many e-mails regarding the upcoming release of Zyklon's third studio album "Disintegrate". Featuring ex-Emperor members Samoth (guitars) and Trym (drums), and with their previous two releases having caused quite a huge stir within the metal community, Zyklon is a band that deserves all the attention they can get.

Seeing as I have been a huge Emperor fan since the early days, one could rightfully assume that the band's previously two releases would hold a predominant position in my record collection, but the truth is that I have never even attempted to listen to this band, prior to receiving this promo from Candlelight records. Was it a reaction towards Emperor's decision to split up back in 2001? That might have indeed been the case, but now my obligation towards this website left me with no choice, so...here we go!

It is true that Zyklon's style has very little to do with Samoth's/Trym's glorious past, but it only took a simple spin to realise that "Disintegrate" is an album that can appeal to both Emperor enthusiasts and extreme metal fans alike. What do you need to hear in an extreme metal release in order to find it exciting - fast/technical drumming, sharp guitar riffs, flamboyant solos or heavy Death Metal growls? Well, "Disintegrate" has it all, and in large quantities.

Moving from the mid-tempo galloping tunes of "Disintegrate" to the fast/aggressive riffage of "Vile Ritual", this album will have no problem in dominating your interest for the months to come. You will have to try very hard to find a song which did not deserve to be included in this album, and it will be even more difficult to choose your personal favourites. For me, it was Trym's excellent drumming in "Subversive Faith" and the Epic/Black Metal-sounding "Skinned And Endangered" that stole my heart from the very beginning - yet, I believe that each composition is quite capable of standing on it's own and can provide equally strong emotions.

With the rumours of an upcoming Emperor re-forming stronger than ever, I start not only to feel guilty for not having invested in Zyklon before, but also afraid for their future, and that is really weird. Hopefully, this great album is only the beginning of a new era for the band, and definitely the starting point of my "relationship" with them. Now, if you excuse me, I need to go and order their previous releases!

****½

Review by John Stefanis