At first glance, Habeas Corpus is only typical Death Metal the American style, focusing more on rhythms than on melodies. The fast parts as well as the growls sound nicely elaborated and competent, but they do not offer anything special.

Way more interesting (and surprisingly more aggressive) it gets with the slower, throttled sequences; in combination, the two speeds build up a needed contrast and the opponents boost each other in their intensity. During the first tracks, this dynamics only flashes through more or less unnoticed, whereas the fourth tune Under Command turns out to be the first direct hit because of its basically slower structure. The eerie atmosphere touches me deeply and more intense than continuous high speed attacks. Some tracks feature an epic touch and more space for alternation; every now and then we come across a weird guitar solo (in course of A Stone For Your Skull) or a marching rhythm contributes to a loosened build-up (Freedomless). Finally, ABSURD UNIVERSE present a Slayer-like sentiment through the thrashy riffing of New World Domination; in addition, the symphonic ending sequence attaches a convenient effect and could have been used in other cases, too.

I think that Habeas Corpus comes across as powerful, but just partly thrilling album, which shows its brownie points in the doomy grinding, uncanny sound. Maybe this aspect could be increased, a few orchestral elements in addition could also care for interesting draft.