KILL

Since the late-'80s, Cannibal Corpse has established itself as the vilest, loudest, and truest purveyor of B-movie audio horror, and with song titles like "Barbaric Bludgeonings," "Submerged in Boiling Flesh," and "Five Nails Through the Neck," the Buffalo, New York speed metal collective's tenth studio album feels like a bloody hug from an old friend. From the first explosive second of the blistering opener, "Time to Kill is Now," Kill reaches into the back of your throat and pulls out your writhing skeleton. This is metal crafted with little remorse for the eardrums and souls of its' people. Producer Erik Rutan (Hate Eternal/ex-Morbid Angel) cranks up the bottom end -- it's rare to be able to hear the kick drum in speed metal -- tightens the guitar leads and generally pounds the listener into submission through 13 aural assaults that will be welcomed by fans with open mouths. Kill doesn't break any new ground for the veteran sickos, but if it ain't broke don't fix it -- just turn it up louder.