Morbyda is a new entity from Germany entering the black/speed metal arena with their debut album, Under the Spell. Two things jump out right away; the fast but melodic heavy metal foundation of the songwriting and the wild shrieking vocals, which are mid-way between Trouble's Eric Wagner and Exciter's Dan Beehler. The album is melodic but not as traditional as early thrash (think Slayer's Show No Mercy) while also being evil and mean but not to the level of the second wave of black metal. The elements Morbyda have whipped into their hellish froth are both listenable and guaranteed to peel paint, which isn't an easy balance to strike, but here it is on Under the Spell. It might not open up on the first few listens, but your patience will be rewarded with a mature and uncommonly layered speed metal experience. It sure has grown on me so black/thrash/speed metal fans should seek it out.