"YOU'RE early driver, no one is here". Having seemingly made off with the Hammer Films sound library MELEK-THA are themselves undoubtedly here in person. Opening with the fearful gasps of a woman afflicted by a bothersome plague of demons, this magnificent offering comes to us from the twisted French necrosapien that is Lord Evil. It contains a series of explosions, the metallic sound of swords being drawn from scabbards, crashing glass, menacing footsteps, cheers of victory, screams of dark violence and the monotonous chimes and Gregorian utterances of Christendom — all crafted onto a torrent of melodic orchestral swirl. "Welcome to oblivion!" You can almost feel the hot steam as it rises from the equestrian nostrils of Lord Evil's faithful war-horse. A fine debut.

Troy Southgate