The nice thing about "Reign of Terror" is that it manages to be more than just a retracing of Rigor Mortis, especially "Slaves to the Grave." The thrashy riffs are punishing when performed in medial tempos and skin-peeling at full throttle. Generally, the M.O. of Rabid Flesh Eaters revolves around unleashing turbulent thrash numbers that sound absolutely nuts. The title track and "Lycanthrope," for instance, have frenetic riffs coiled over the outrageous howls of the vocalist, from whom there is no shortage of madness; he sounds like an antisocial Pepper Keenan who took bath salts before going to the studio. I have a hard time pinpointing if he's growling or if he's shouting, but he sounds totally awesome belting out his crazed voice over the bloodshed underneath. Talk about intense: these songs are a f***ing sacrament to derangement, like "Flesh for Flies," only more extreme and complex, somehow.

Much of their appeal is due to Scaccia's production, which has modern spunk but isn't ruined by its crisp and clear form. "Reign of Terror" manages to successfully expand a bit in the songwriting department; it's not like this technical, wild style is the only trick in the book, though it is the focal point. "Morbid Beast," "Psychotic Episode," and "No Escape (From Murder House)" teeter near or beyond seven minutes in length, each boasting a plethora of thrashy sections helping to vary the perpetual intensity. The drumming echoes the chaos of the remaining group, hammering down in frenzied fills and proficient use of the blast for a sizable chunk of the record. Long story short, it hurts so good. Have fun telling your face from your ass.