DECADENCE is a highly underrated and widely unknown Melodic Thrash band from Sweden. Those familiar with the band will undoubtedly know them by the distinctive Death Metal vocals, which are handled by a Miss "Metallic" Kitty Saric, a short and slim frontwoman with hair down to her knees and a powerful, guttural roar that rivals Angela Gossow of ARCH ENEMY fame. Though lineup changes have been a constant roadblock for this group, they have finally returned with their fourth full length album, and it is their best yet!

"The 3rd Stage Of Decay", while not a bad album in its own right, didn't quite reach the caliber of their previous works. DECADENCE have a sound that is completely their own, and some of the best elements just weren't there. Luckily, the Thrash riffs in this new album are top of the line, and the high pitched melodies blend in beautifully with the choruses as they did in the debut release. Their approach may be extremely straight forward, but the result is far from boring.

Virtually every track is a highlight, and not to be missed on "Chargepoint". However, "Discharge" and "Out Of Ashes" will likely appeal most to longtime fans of their classic sound. Yes, the cowboy grooves have returned with a vengeance! Let us hope against hope that this band stays intact and there are no further lineup changes, because this album is the epitome of what this band is and has always represented. Let us also hope that the band finally achieves the credit they deserve with this stellar release. For all fans of Thrash, this is an album not to be missed!