2 years after the first release, the world is once again sonically assaulted by the men from Mordhaus. The latest offering is better than the first effort in every conceivable way.

Complexity? CHECK
Composition? CHECK
Vocals? CHECK
Production? CHECK
Mermaids? CHECK
MURDER? CHECK

Let's run down the new playlist:

• Bloodlines

This song sets the tone for the whole album by starting off with an uppercut to the taint. Fast, furious, and seriously hard riffs. Immediately it is clear this LP will be quite a change of pace. We also get the first glimpse of Brandon Small's newly acquired death-scream here.

• The Gears

Mind-bendingly fast and confident, Brandon Small gives a shredding clinic on this track.

• Burn The Earth

The album takes a breath and slows down to give the albums first memorable chorus:

"Pour the Gas, Light the match, BURN!"

Just as catchy as the "CHECK"s from The Dethalbum's Mermaider.

• Laser Cannon Deth Sentence

This track got the first laugh out of me with the albums second memorable chorus:

"D-D-D-D-D-D-D-DIE~!"

Classic.

• Black Fire Upon Us

Even slower now, the track falls into a badass headbanging groove. The riffs from this track will be stuck in your head. Easily one of my favorites.

• Dethsupport

The album picks back up here, with this hilarious track.

It's the only song that immediately jumps out as intentionally funny. While it is probably the worst song musically, it's only considered as such because of how strong the album is.

• The Cyborg Slayers

The slowest song on the album hits here. Once again, great guitar work and pacing keeps the album rocking along.

• I Tamper With The Evidence At The Murder Site Of Odin

This one pounds you with the synced guitar and vocals, it's less of a head banger and more of grinding track.

• Murmaider II: The Water God

The sequel to the legend.

Starts out the same, and builds on it to epic proportions. Breathtaking. The best song on the album.

• Comet Song

Good song, but it has the impossible duty of following Mermaider II. While unfair, this song is still comes out fighting with a late guitar solo that stands strong.

• Symmetry

With the brunt of Mermaider II fading, the album gets back to rocking. Brandon Small summons his death-growl and manages to make the word "walk" sound evil.

• Volcano

The albums swan-song does not disappoint. The harrowing chant "we fear not deth" with a backup choir and some blazing licks take us to the curtain.

When The Dethalbum debuted at #21 on the Billboard Charts (the highest charting Death Metal album in history) the sequels expectations were immediately set ridiculously high. Dethalbum II not only meets those expectations, it blows them out of the water. One can only hope the record sales reflect this as well.

It's crazy to think that 2 years ago, I thought that Brandon Small gave us everything he had with The Dethalbum. With more time, a boosted budget, and his real life band having a year of touring under their belt, he shows us what he can really do.

This album isn't just good, it's scary good.