Sounding a bit too polished for the catacombs and definitely way too advanced to come from America, the Illinois duo known as Overthrone unleash their black metal malaise to the masses in the form of the eight-track DECLARATIONS OF SECESSION. Taking the template set by bands such as Cradle of Filth and incorporating it into their bastardized concoction of blast beats, synth overlays, and demonic vocalizations, songs like the title cut and “The Tribunal” contain the frenetic energy and genuine disdain necessary to pull off a competent yet maligned mutation of black, death, and progressive metal. www.myspace.com/overthroneband –Mike SOS