Since Lair of the Minotaur cuts right to the quick and doesn't waste time, neither will I: War Metal Battle Master is the most barbaric, most punishing slab of pure raging metal that I've heard this year. As as matter of fact, this baby is so stunning in its absolute dead-on purity that it may be one of the best discs of its kind since the glory days of the 80's underground! Imagine a band that distills the pure essence of Venom, Celtic Frost, Motorhead, Black Sabbath and Bolt Thrower and then spits out that corrosive acid with their own distinctive touch. Crushing guitar sound, bone-cracking riffs, gruff bellows and pounding drums predominate but all manage to balance each other out with no one aspect emerging dominant. Yes, this music is brutal, but it is also well-written and very concise. Even the epic "Doomtrooper" wastes nothing in its nine minute length. Lair of the Minotaur's tunes are all about feeling...and the feeling here is utter bloodlust! The band's music deals with the gorier side of Greek mythology and you can almost breathe in the dust of the ancient battlefield and hear the ring of steel on steel as you bask in the malevolent glory of "War Metal Battle Master". I'm thinking the invaders of Troy would have really dug this stuff! This is just a great burst of pure metal aggression designed to snap your neck...do not miss it!

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2008  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.