What is this? Is it just me, or are we in the middle of a new wave of Italian extreme metal? Off late I’ve reviewed Delirium X-tremens and Angelus Apatrida, and now this. And I’ve got another potent outing from  Stygma lying about, waiting for review.

A positive development, most would agree, since Italy hasn’t been big in terms of death and thrash. And the potential and talent is clearly there as illustrated excellently with the third release from Kenos.

What I think is great about ‘The Craving’ is the fact that Kenos avoid being just standard death/thrash by adding a good deal of rock’n’roll (the track Who.Is.Key is totally boogie rock’n’roll) and even goth rock (the track The Icon reeks of the Sisters of Mercy) to the otherwise Morbid Angel inspired death/thrash. The band moves seamlessly between the genres and thus creates a fine and varied album.

The production and sound of the album is raw and suits the rock’n’death style fine.

Thumbs up!