2008 seems to be the year of trend mongering. Right now Thrash is in and there seems to be a non-stop scramble to sign any of the Neo-Thrash bands in the world. Label-wise, Heavy Artillery Records has been signing a whole slew of Thrash bands that are effortlessly bringing denim jackets back in style. But while EXMORTUS is on the predominantly Thrash label, the band is much more of a Death-laden, shredding Speed Metal monster.

Heaving forth with the title track, anyone expecting Thrash will be decimated. A flurry of blast beats, guttural roars and maniacal and sometimes melodic riffing, "In Hatreds Flame" will prove to be one hell of a ride. And without missing a beat, "Triumph By Fire" tears open a cascade of rapid fire riffs and dizzying solos. But where it gets really fun is with the six-string antics found on "War Gods" - imagine if VITAL REMAINS were to actually loosen up on the brutality and kick up the creativity. So instead of an impressive wall of sound, EXMORTUS brings on a focused sonic attack that nicely couples brutality with shredding showmanship.

Tracks like "Valor And Might" and "Glory On The Battlefield" also inject a lethal dose of Melodic Death and IRON MAIDEN melodies into the fold, while the blazing "Axes Of War" is a solo duel of shredding overindulgence that is just as good as it is grandiose. "Wrath Of Vengeance" almost hints at Black Metal with a rather undulant riffing and bellicose blasting, while "Fimbulwinter" closes the album on a rather lethal note. Hats off to the deadly duo of Conan and Balmore for excessive and endless guitar hysterics that are much more blue-collar and honest than anything YNGWIE. In fact, these guys could almost compete with the Mustaine/Friedman brilliance of "Rust In Peace".

Even with a few saggy spots in the production, EXMORTUS' "In Hatreds Flame" is a fierce and nearly flawless debut. Guitar aficionados as well as Thrash and Death Metal fans will find plenty to love, even after several listens. And while most of the songs focus on soloing and melody, brutality is never skimped on. Sure, boundaries aren't being pushed, but it's refreshing to have carefree Speed Metal showmanship returning to a period of Metal that is dominated by pushing the boundaries of brutality and rehashing anything retro.