Under The Black Cross was originally released in 2005, but only overseas. Ibex Moon Records is finally releasing it in the United States. In addition to the original CD, this version also includes a cover version of Necrovore's "Divus de Mortuus."
Under The Black Cross old school death metal influenced by groups like Celtic Frost, Venom and Possessed. The strongest part of the album is the guitar work. The riffs are powerful and memorable, and have a bit of a thrash influence. The songs are intense and reasonably diverse.
The concept behind the album is Operation Chariot, a daring British Commando Raid that took place at Saint Nazaire, France, 1942 during World War II. The vocals are raspy and take a little bit of adjusting to, but they really grow on you. For old school death metal fans, Pentacle is a band worth checking out.
