The hermetic symbolism of Order From Chaos has dissolved into a vision (or votive?) of cleansing annihilation, and Keller's vivid and often inspiring illustrations of terminal battle more than suit the mud march of tracks like "None Shall Escape" and the torch-bearing riffs of "Lamentations". Alex Blume's vocal spillage serve as last rites atop Keller's six-string murrain, dovetailing into triumphant refrain with wild leads reaching for a dust-blocked sun.

Despite its roots in traditional metal, the album is not as nostalgic or easy as it could have sounded -- a testament to the songwriting and energy within, well paced between the essential speed of the opening tracks and later instrumental pieces (including a softer piece that takes off from Bathory). Its old-school nature brazed into every note, _Return to Dust_ is a culmination and taunt: the rest need to do better.