Well... I was really looking forward to this brand new release called “Draculea” from Italian Thrash/Black Metal band Necrodeath. Their 2006 release “100% Hell” was a very pleasant surprise in my book, so my hands were shaking a bit when I finally got my hands on “Draculea”.

I did not hesitate to throw it in my hard-tried CD-player but I was actually a tad disappointed at first listen. “Draculea” is a concept album based on Vlad Tepe’s life and it starts with “V.T. 1431”... a track that could work as background music for a horror movie. The next track “Smell of Blood” is quite different... very typically Necrodeath and bands like; Sodom, Venom, Possessed, and Destruction comes to mind. Track after track goes by and even after numerous listens I still feel there’s something missing. The promo-CD I’m holding in my hands contains 9 tracks... 9 solid tracks, but sadly not 9 outstanding tracks.

“Draculea” doesn’t reach the heights of last years “100% Hell” in my book and there’s only 2 real highlights to be found... namely the Venom cover “Countess Bathory” and “Impaler Prince”. “Impaler Prince” thrash like there’s no tomorrow but the rest of the tracks are too slow for my taste. Not that I dislike this album... but I miss something.

Necrodeath can do so much better than this. The album is really not bad, there definitely is a lot of variety, I just miss a few real killer songs.

Check it out and listen for yourself.