Stephen Probably still vivid in thrash fans memory of how good is 'Face of Despair' when it first came out in 1989 and MORTAL SIN was then known for the first Australian band that plays the Bay Area style. Fast forward 18 years later, they return to the scene with 'An Absence of Faith' and then 4 years afterward, 'Psychology of Death' was born with a sound exactly identical to their 80s days.

With only two surviving original members on board, Mat Maurer on vocal and Andy Eftichiou on bass, MORTAL SIN delivered a high-octane adrenaline-pumping thrash assault and some of my faves here are 'Blood of My Enemies'; 'Paralyzed By Fear' and 'Doomed To Annihilation' with super-classic riffs that sounds very TESTAMENT to my ears; 'Deny', and 'Down In The Pit'.

The rest four songs are also good, but kinda felt too formulaic with the same repeating pattern. Some galloping drums intro, fierceful riffs sweeping in, put some screaming, keep up the fast-paced rhythm, and ends the song. Not a sin to do that actually, but the qualities of the songs are inferior to the better tunes. The production is okay, not very applauding, but acceptable.

'Psychology of Death' is a nice Sydney's oldschool thrash release, not going to impress hordes of new crowd, but a decent treat for the long-time fans. 75%