As the godfathers of Polish death metal, VADER should need no introduction. Forging their own path throughout the years with both a relentless touring and release schedule, VADER paved the way for bands such as BEHEMOTH and DECAPITATED to follow. And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw, their third official DVD release, offers a fine document of the masters at work with pro-shot concert filmed in the band’s own backyard. Balancing a set list from VADER’s extensive catalog is no easy task (classics such as “The Crucified Ones,” “The Final Massacre," and “Reborn in Flames” are conspicuously absent) but the band manages to mix “the hits” - “Silent Empire,” “Black to the Blind” and “Sothis” with newer material from Impressions in Blood such as “Shadowfear” and the anthem “Helleluyah (God is Dead)” with relative ease. The production values of the show are top-notch, from the sound to the lighting particularly during the intro track of the second half of the concert “Parabellum” through the band’s performance of the three tracks of their excellent The Art of War EP. Musically, the band is on fire executing each song with razor sharp precision and efficiency. Reflecting the band’s no-bull approach and attitude, frontman Peter keeps the in between song chit-chat to a minimum, focusing instead on delivering the calculating, punishing performances the band is known for. Although the sluggish “Predator” detracts from the band’s momentum somewhat, things are quickly back on track for the finale of “Wings” and the band’s cover of Polish thrash band KAT’s “Wyrocznia.” And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw also features several extras: An extensive band biography and discography for the uninitiated, photos, and two video clips. One of which features our heroes enter a world of fantasy with the rock oriented videogame soundtrack offering, “Sword of the Witcher.” There’s also a detailed interview with mainman Peter who candidly discusses the band’s changes throughout the years, musical influences, the departure and untimely passing of original drummer Docent, to the band’s future and the world through the internet. And Blood Was Shed in Warsaw is a must for all diehard VADER fans and is an excellent introduction for those interested in the roots of one of death metal’s forefathers. (MVD Entertainment Group)