MORTAL SIN - AN ABSENCE OF FAITH – ARMAGEDDON  
Some 20 years after the surprising Mayhemic Destruction, the Aussies are back with An Absence Of Faith. Surely, one can confidently say that every single ‘80s band has reformed now. When such bands reappear sometimes one hopes for something more modern to come out of the speakers but in some other cases it is perhaps better if the band stick to what it knew.
Arguably Mortal Sin is better off doing the latter. Out Of The Darkness starts things off and is more reminiscent of the ‘90s, shades of Overkill and the ‘groove oriented’ here but the song manages to speed up enough times to leave a good impression by the time its over. Deadman Walking, with an intro similar to Susperia’s Chemistry, is next and is more like the Mortal Sin of the ‘80s complete with the distinctive Mat Maurer vocal style. Tears Of Redemption is Lebanon Part II and at nearly nine minutes captures all the catchiness and feel of the original song and as a bonus adds death metal sounding heaviness and speed towards its end. Before The Bough Breaks is a solid thrashy heavy metal song. Rise Or Fall is dated speed metal. My Nightmare features thick riffs and moves towards the Biohazard sound complete with typical screaming background vocals. The speedy Say Your Prayers is effective, and at times reminiscent of Slayer’s Mind Control, though perhaps it could do without the chunky riffs scattered throughout and stick to the high tempo. Lost Within is similar to My Nightmare with a bit of Suicidal Tendencies thrown in. Eye In The Sky is another politically tinted song. Broken Promises closes this release and provides another dose of the quintet. An Absence Of Faith is not a spectacular comeback release but has enough to justify the rating seen to the right of the album title above. Watch for live videos for Mayhemic Destruction and Blood Death Hatred included on the CD. – Anna Tergel