Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Much like fellow countrymen Channel Zero, After All has carried the torch for Belgian heavy metal since 1987. It is interesting that we rarely see hide nor hair of the Belgian ilk considering the weighty volumes these bands have produced. After All, based out of Bruges, have released six studio albums total and are still widely disregarded by most avid collectors. It’s a shame because the band are really consistent and solid, evident with this new album, ‘This Violent Decline’, which shows the band as versatile as ever. The tandem of Depree and Damme proves to be a puissant force, mid-tempo when needed but strongly pushing the pace faster throughout. Vocalist Piet Focroul is perfect for the material, somewhere between a thrash-spoken ministry and sterile singing. The album’s mix was done courtesy of Fredrik Nordstrom at Fredman Studios and mastered at Antfarm Studios by Tue Madsen.