Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Centinex - World Declension - 2005 - Candlelight Records

Track Listing 1. Victorious Dawn Rising 2. Purgatorial Overdrive 3. The Destroyer 4. As Legions Come 5. Sworn 6. Synthetic Sin Zero 7. Flesh Is Fragile 8. Wretched Cut 9. Deconstruction Macabre

One of Sweden's founding death metal acts, Centinex, has been hitting the metal world with album after album of unruly, Hellish death metal. The seasoned band has released seven studio records and three EPs since their conception. For some reason the band has never really gained the notoriety of a group like Entombed, Hypocrisy, or even Grave. Still the lack of media attention doesn't keep the band down, they continue to release convincing records that shape their sound.

"World Declension" is the group's third consecutive album for Candlelight Records/Regain, a steady pattern considering just how many times bands are hopping labels these days. The line-up is mainly the same as the last three albums other than new drummer Ronnie Bergerstahl, who replaces Kennet Englund, who had played with the band since 2000. Here the band really just continues on the same paths as their previous efforts, offering plenty of brutal thrash with technical tendencies. I think Bergerstahl is probably an asset here, sounding like a human jackhammer behind the drums and giving the band a wide variety of pummeling assault techniques. Fans of Centinex will find this a very appealing record and one that continues to make the band standout among smaller metal circles. If only they could get on a large bill or hit North America with a notable artist, then the band could get the recognition they deserve.

Note - Killer cuts include "Victorious Dawn Rising", "Purgatorial Overdrive", and the moody "As Legions Come".



--1Evil1 04.16.07