Yersinia Pestis, the 2004 debut from this Swedish outfit, is a fine example of the blending of death and black metal that a fair number of Scandinavian acts have undertaken in recent years. Both styles of vocals are on display here, and the guitarwork also varies between standard death metal and newer black metal. Like many bands, Torchbearer is one of those middle-ground bands that don't clone anyone else but yet has a familiar style. This is a fine debut for those into extreme Scandinavian metal.