I've finally got my grubby mits on this album and it still begs the following question; Why o why isn't the name of this Bristol five-piece just rolling over the tongues of brutal metal journalists? Or perhaps it is and I'm losing my grip on brutal metal, because Burning Skies once again have recorded an album that perhaps encapsulates England's rage against the rising fuel/food/cost of living prices. Like their previous effort Desolation, Greed, Filth, Abuse, Corruption is a hate-filled, pissed off and fury driven bastard of an album. If you think American hardcore bands are annoyed, they'll seem like whining nancy boys after one listen to Burning Skies. Although touching on the rim of hardcore, the band is a fusion of grindcore, death metal, modern thrash and American extremism. If this is starting to put you off, then don't let it as Burning Skies have a knack of making their albums accessible without toning down their ability to 'fuck shit up' for want of a better phrase.

Clocking up less than thirty minutes of music it's quality over quantity. There's no room for epics, solos and long drawn out intros, Greed, Filth, Abuse, Corruption is a rabid dog that goes for the throat from the outset and doesn't let go. Merv does his razor blade/growling vocal sections with great conviction, and it does make you think, 'how can England produce such a ticked off individual'?

One of the elements that made Desolation such an excellent record was the production. Unfortunately the production isn't a match for their previous record. Greed, Filth, Abuse, Corruption still sounds awesome, but the Desolation magic is no longer present. It puts more pressure on the quality of the song-writing, which, in my opinion of course, is not as high as on their previous album. Maybe the whole riotous experience will grow over the coming weeks, but tracks such as Spat Out And Stamped On and Sticky Richard have that same ol same ol feel about them. That's not to say Greed, Filth, Abuse, Corruption doesn't have the ideas, far from it. You Don't Have To Be Dead To Be In Hell and Rounding Up The Cattle are great chunks of metal that pulverise the skull almost breaking down the protective jelly around the brain.

On the whole Greed, Filth, Abuse, Corruption is a good follow on from Desolation. It doesn't stray from the Burning Skies sound, and is short but effective within its timeframe. In terms of songs and overall production, I think their previous effort shades it, but don't take my word for it, listen to it yourself. If you like brutal metal both fast, heavy, slow, grinding and utterly fucked off, then Burning Skies will be for you. They're a band that are so good at what they do they'll never get the recognition they deserve, especially coming from England at least. Good Luck.