One thing I always liked about Jennings' guitar work is that his consistent riffs are often branded by his own touch. It's hard putting it down in words, but this feels like it has Jennings' guitar philosophy embossed on its pelt, especially during his solos and lead melodies which conjure up that retrogressive aura. The stout heavy/doom metal riffs are forceful and hefty, delivering a solid arsenal of driving, up-tempo sequences gracing anthems like "Howling at the Throne of Decadence" and rocking Cathedral-esque grooves � la "The Ethereal Mirror" finding shelter on "Into the Ivory Forest" and "Eyes of the Heretic." Nothing gloomy or depressing like "Forest of Equilibrium," I must add; this is mostly energetic stuff, driven by doom-laden sections and bruising heavy metal festivities.

A big source of Death Penalty's identity comes from Michelle Nocon's vocals. Her voice reflects much of the explosive stoutheartedness pouring from the guitar work while bringing color to the overall picture through her wide register. She sounds especially natural matching the crawling riffs of "The One that Dwells," wailing and shouting over the morbid display like a banshee. A stellar chemistry between Nocon and Jennings, but not one too predictable under the conditions. The drum performance and bass work are excellent, amplified in importance by an organic production job whose roots serve to animate and stabilize rather than hinder and synthesize. It's a heavy/doom metal journey that stays true to its origins without phoning it in.