Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Sweden black thrashers Witchery have been on a six-year hiatus since last studio effort 'Witchkrieg'. Since then the act has replaced the drummer and vocalist. Christofer Barkensjo (ex-Carnal Forge) takes over behind the kit for Martin Axenrot and singer Emperor Magus Caligula (Magnus Broberg) is replaced by relative unknown Angus Norder (Nekrokraft). The group stay on the Century Media label and employ Dug Out Studio (drums), Eleven Studios (strings) and Dead Sparrow Studio (vocals) to put 'In His Infernal Majesty's Service' together. How much different is this approach? Not much has changed really. This is still solid mid-tier thrash metal from what amounts to a "studio band". Songs like "Netherwold Emperor" and "Gilded Fang" showcase frosty thrash with blast beats, unholy screams of anguish and a frenzied pace that keeps the mopheads...well, mopping up the mosh. The mid-paced groove mash is still what I consider the best of the band’s output. You can hear that in meaty slabs like "Nosferatu" and "Escape from Dunwich Valley". There is some raw punk aggressiveness to some of the songs as well, notably "Empty Tombs". Overall another decent offering from a band that few have been talking about lately.