An understandable delay with Lee Altus and Kragen Lum playing guitar at Exodus when Gary Holt joined Slayer. I was very curious what the album would sound like when I found out that all songs including lyrics(!) were written by Kragen Lum (who joined the band in 2007 and had only signed for 3 songs out of the 10 on the previous album). I can tell you that this record surprised me in a real positive way! If I had not known that Kragen Lum had written all songs, I would not have even noticed. The songs have a familiar Heathen-sound, with a more melodic edge (maybe even catchy). The songs are a little more compact, being 4 to 5 minutes. The new rhythm section, Jason Mirza and Jim DiMaria, take care of a tight basic sound.

After the intro ‘The rotting sphere’ the song ‘The Blight’ blasts your speakers. The first noticeable thing is the fact that it connects with the previous album, 10 years ago: high speed, catchy chorus (we’re dead inside) and flashy guitar solos. Lyrics are worthwhile, this song is about humanity destroying earth (we are the plague). Next song is my personal highlight, title track ‘Empire of the Blind’. It is what ‘’Master of Puppets’ was for Metallica, a once in a lifetime. The speed varieties, the magnificent pre-chorus followed by the catchy chorus are what makes an instant classic record. The amazing voice of David White comes out really beautifully. The following song ‘Dead and gone’ is a bit slower, but again with a catchy chorus.