Brutal Death Metal isn't a genre of music which usually appeals to listeners of a sensitive disposition. The norm is lyrics awash with violence, sexual perversity and misogyny. As a female fan of Metal, this has rarely troubled me, as the creators of this music are like authors of horror novels - perfectly normal people working with disturbing imagery for the entertainment of others. What concerns me far more are bands which take a political stance that implies an interest in the far right. Panzerchrist - literally 'Tank Jesus' - is one of these groups.

Although I am in no way intimating that the members of Panzerchrist have Nazi leanings, their relentless lyrics about the World Wars and song titles like For The Iron Cross and King Tiger (a German heavy tank) certainly flirt with a rather uncomfortable admiration of a terrible time in Europe's history. The band clearly says that it takes no sides and merely writes about the battlefield; they have even signed a distribution contract in the past stating that they are not Nazis. While that is quite believable, what they are doing - in my opinion - is both attempting to generate unit-shifting controversy and to appeal to a certain kind of displaced young listener who will cling to the Germanic imagery in the belief that it backs up his own prejudices. There seem to be no songs glorifying English or American weaponry or their part on the battlefield - the Danish group has even gone so far as to record an entire album in German (Soul Collector in 2000), saying that they wanted to use a 'language of command.' It is hard to credit that they are disingenuous enough to think that they won't be perceived as Nazi sympathizers, or that their music won't be taken to heart by some who are. This may well be their corner of the market but it sits uncomfortably with me to listen to a group which is possibly cynical enough to try to appeal to those with an interest in the far right.

So, to the music of Regiment Ragnarok, their sixth album. The band speaks proudly of how fast and brutal they are and this is certainly not a record for someone just beginning to experiment with Metal. Each of the twelve tracks delivers a heavy assault to the senses, with machine-gun drums and thick, bludgeoning guitar. Current singer Magnus Jørgensen has a deep, penetrating growl that powers a swathe through the music. The lyrics - for all their somewhat dubious nature - are largely unintelligible, an issue not unfamiliar in Death Metal. There is not huge variety amongst the songs - Panzerchrist have come to aurally attack you and that is what they do. A theme of violent warmongering is not going to produce much subtlety and there is certainly none here, although it is a well-produced and competently played album. It is however rather workmanlike, lacking the special talent for both entrancing and deliciously repulsing the listener shown by Cannibal Corpse or Torture Killer. Additional time-changes and musical variation, as displayed on the song Impact, would have made this a more enjoyable and richer record.

After seven years, Panzerchrist have yet to deviate from their fascination with the military and doubtless this will be their hallmark for as long as they exist. Whether or not the world needs a band that seems entranced by past atrocities is debatable but for fans of fairly mindless Death Metal, Regiment Ragnarok will satisfy.

Score - 4.5 out of 10