### Mortal Sin: Psychology of death

#### 05/01/12 || gk

Back in 1986, Australia’s Mortal Sin released “Mayhemic Destruction” which till date is one of the most under appreciated gems from the thrash metal heyday. Internal strife, band politics and a sterilisation of their raw thrash attack on subsequent albums meant that the band never quite capitalised on the success of that debut and subsequent albums were mediocre at best. Now, some 4 years after “An Absence of Faith” comes the latest offering from the band and “Psychology of Death” feels, in spirit and execution, like the follow up to “Mayhemic Destruction.”

Right from album opener and title song “Psychology of Death” the band sounds reborn. This is classic 80s thrash that is unapologetic and with no frills attached. A mid paced groove and an addictive chorus make sure that the album starts on a positive note. From there, it’s just an all out thrash attack. “Blood of My Enemies,” “Paralysed by Fear” and “Burned into Your Soul” come charging out the speakers in quick succession with catchy grooves and addictive choruses. “Burned into Your Soul” reminds me a little of classic Testament while the opening guitar lead on “Deny” is just classic thrash as are the lyrics about the death of a homeless man and society’s apathy. “Doomed to Annihilation” is another great song with vocalist Mat Maurer sounding a bit like a young Chuck Billy. The album closes with the 1-2 punch of “Down in the Pit” and “Hatred” both of which have solid headbanging riffs at its core and incredibly addictive choruses.

Only Matt Maurer and bassist Andy Eftichiou remain from the original line up but that doesn’t seem to have made any difference at all. The songs are heavy, have some great riffs and memorable choruses. Sure, there’s absolutely nothing new here. Entire sections of songs might inspire a strong feeling of deja vu but the music also feels very real. These are a bunch of scene veterans doing what they do best and the songs are thrash metal the way it should be.

“Psychology of Death” is pretty essential and long term fans of the band as well as newcomers might just be pleasantly surprised. There’s absolutely no fat on this album and it’s 9 songs of thrashing goodness in less than 45 minutes. The European digipak version even comes with the debut album as a bonus disc. Mortal Sin left me very pleasantly surprised with “Psychology of Death.” This is an album well worth checking out.

- Information
- Released: 2011
- Label: NoiseArt Records
- Website: www.mortalsin.com.au
- Band
- Mat Maurer : vocals
- Nathan Shea : guitars
- Ryan Huthnance : guitars
- Andy Eftichiou : bass
- Luke Cook : drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Psychology of Death
- 02. Blood of My Enemies
- 03. Paralysed by Fear
- 04. Burned into Your Soul
- 05. Deny
- 06. Doomed to Annihilation
- 07. Kingdom of Pain
- 08. Down in the Pit
- 09. Hatred