There was a point when death metal was pretty darn predictable and one dimensional -- in other words, you knew exactly what lay in store for you upon plopping the CD in your player. But as evidenced by groups like Birds of Prey and their 2009 offering, The Hell Preacher, there are indeed extreme metal bands nowadays that refuse to be pigeonholed and aren't afraid to stray from the beaten path. That said, it's not as if Birds of Prey has begun using harpsichords or children's choirs in their tough and brutal thrash, but as evidenced by such tracks as the album opener, "Mama," as well as "Juvie" and "Alive Inside," the quintet offers varying tempos and sludge riffs along with all the expected rage. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi