Personnel: George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher (vocals); Rob Barrett, Pat O'Brien (guitar); Paul Mazurkiewicz (drums); Erik Rutan (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Erik Rutan.

Recording information: Mana Recording Studios, St. Petersburg, FL (10/2005-12/2005).

Photographer: Alex Solca.

One of the most infamous and censored death metal bands ever, Cannibal Corpse celebrates their 10th album with one titular sentiment: KILL. That's pretty much what it does, too. KILL reminds us who put the death in death metal, combining relentless and intense sounds with lyrics that couple Grand Guignol thrills with slasher-film imagery. Wiry, almost progressive time and tempo shifts choke out the intense riffage and bend it into dramatic extremes, as evidenced on "Five Nails in the Neck" and the assaultive introduction of "Brain Removal Police," exacting and technical in its delivery, much like the rest of the album. Designed almost solely to gross out those who dare read the blood-soaked lyric sheet, numbers like "Submerged in Boiling Flesh" and "Barbaric Bludgeonings" pretty much spell out their prurient intent in graphic detail. KILL certainly doesn't open any new doors in the lifespan (or deathspan, if you will) of Cannibal Corpse, but it doesn't close any either; those who listen should know exactly what they're getting, and will be satisfied that it delivers on all counts.

Since the late-'80s, Cannibal Corpse has established itself as the vilest, loudest, and truest purveyor of B-movie audio horror, and with song titles like "Barbaric Bludgeonings," "Submerged in Boiling Flesh," and "Five Nails Through the Neck," the Buffalo, New York speed metal collective's tenth studio album feels like a bloody hug from an old friend. From the first explosive second of the blistering opener, "Time to Kill is Now," Kill reaches into the back of your throat and pulls out your writhing skeleton. This is metal crafted with little remorse for the eardrums and souls of its' people. Producer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal/ex-Morbid Angel) cranks up the bottom end -- it's rare to be able to hear the kick drum in speed metal -- tightens the guitar leads and generally pounds the listener into submission through 13 aural assaults that will be welcomed by fans with open mouths. Kill doesn't break any new ground for the veteran sickos, but if it ain't broke don't fix it -- just turn it up louder. ~ James Christopher Monger