Band:	Malevolent Creation
Album:	Retribution
Style:	Death metal
Release date:	1992

01. Eve Of The Apocalypse
02. Systematic Execution
03. Slaughter Of Innocence
04. Coronation Of Our Domain
05. No Flesh Shall Be Spared
06. The Coldest Survive
07. Monster
08. Mindlock
09. Iced

Upon first hearing Malevolent Creation's sophmore effort, right away you have to notice all of the major changes. First of all the line-up: riff master Phil, bassist Jason and the ever punishing Bret are still present but taking Jeff's place on guitar is Rob Barrett, later of the infamous Cannibal Corpse, as well as the recruiting of blast-beat extraordinaire Alex Marquez, both of death/thrash band Solstice. Secondly the production is perfect, clean and crisp, and the music is much more mature than the debut, both in the songwriting and composition (not saying that "Ten Commandments" isn't anything less than perfect). The very first thing that captivated me is the cover art, done by the infamous Dan Seagrave; he pretty much concocted every one of the death metal classics of the nineties. I myself bought this album about 4 months ago and still listen to it on a regular basis so you just try pointing out any flaws. It needs to be re-released in the United States, along with their debut, because it is an instant classic, and let me fully explain why.

As with most of Malevolent Creation's releases, "Retribution" is built on the relentless, mind blowing riffage. As a duo, Rob and Phil execute perfectly, creating riffs that really pump you up and force one to headbang. Mix those with the chaotic growls and shrieks of Bret Hoffmann, and what do you get, Well all hell breaks loose. The solos are excellent, and my personal favorites are featured on "The Coldest Survive." Bret shows us his lyrical skills on this one, immensely, he puts forth illustrious, murderous and hatefilled lines, the lyrics are based on what I believe to be a society based on violence and corruption. The way he performs them is even better, he punishes the listener with an agonizing performance, Have to love his trademark errrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! To show his skills, the one song you should hear is "Slaughter Of Innocence," the high screaming of "Die motherfucker!!!!" is superb. Let's now talk about the drumming, one thing Malevolent Creation has always kept, despite numerous line-up changes, is an awesome drummer. Alex Marquez can lay down blasts and fills with ease; the track with the most prominent drum work is "Monster" which starts out with the lightning fast blast beat. Now Jason Blachowicz bass work is a little buried but not to worry because with each and every listen you'll be able to make it out more and more. There is however a mini bass solo included in "Slaughter Of Innocence" and the bass is very audible in "No Flesh Shall Be Spared" and "Coronation Of Our Domain." He produces a rather unique and distinguishable bass sound. Basically this is truly old school death metal at its finest, full of aggressiveness and is one of my most prized albums in my collection, it needs to be in your collection as well. Trust me on this one, I give it tens in all categories for a reason, so whenever you get an opportunity, don't pass this purchase up.