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Miasmal Monstrosity |
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Review by Felix on December 5, 2021.
The Finnish black metal sky is full of darkly shining stars and the one with the name Mimorium is rather unknown so far. That’s unfair, because the guys from the location with the catchy name Pieksämäki, Etelä-Savo are able to create ice titans that reach the high level of the songs of better-known compatriots. Indeed, Mimorium do not suffer from an overdose of individual features, but neither Aegrus nor Behexen have the copyright for cold, dense and occasionally melodic black metal. And so it comes as no surprise that already the opener sends pleasant shivers down my spine, although I wonder about its title. 'I Am What We Are' – for me, this sounds like “My Arm Is Your Legs”, but maybe this is just a typical problem of a non-native speaker. Anyway, this song provides all characteristics I want to hear when it comes to black metal from Suomi: an exciting beginning with militaristic drum rolls and a riff that slowly creeps out of the womb of hatred, clanking guitars, guttural and passionate vocals, intense high-speed sequences, an almost perfect mix of aggression (80%) and melody (20%), a bitter cold atmosphere and last but not least a coherent overall picture.
Fortunately, the opener does not degrade the following tracks to mere extras. From my point of view, the dragging 'Regret Everything In You' lacks expressive power and it seems to be integrated for the sake of (misunderstood) variability. I don’t say it’s a throwaway track, but already the next song, 'Left Hand Of North', brings back to mind the true strength of the band. Restless, hostile and equipped with freezing cold melodies, the piece races through the snowy woods of eastern Scandinavia. Mimorium pay nearly constant attention to intensity. They do not fall victim to chaos, but the whirlwind they create is impressive. The good production also contributes to this. It has the charm of a predator on the hunt, always willing to rip its victim apart. Maybe it is no coincidence that the closer is called 'Hunter'.
All in all, the homogeneously structured output provides an entertaining and ferocious listening experience. It clocks in at 41 minutes and leaves no questions open. Fans of bands like Malum should lend an ear to Blood Of Qayin, supporters of rather atmospheric than vehement black metal better stay away from this explosive full-length. However, one thing is certain: black metal and Finland is still a very thrilling and strong combination. I know, some sad creatures will moan about the missing originality (which is already indicated by the generic artwork), but that’s stupid. These dudes should eat their chocolate donut with pepper sauce, and they will realize that originality is no value in itself. While they do so, I prefer to listen to albums like Blood Of Qayin.
Rating: 8.3 out of 10
608ViewsReview by Alex on October 4, 2021.
Putrevore has to be the most impressive death metal band Rogga Johansson's name is attached to. He's involved in more bands that you can count on one hand, all of which are fairly good, but Putrevore is unmatched the way I perceive it. The songwriting, tone and execution is in a league of its own compared to another band he's involved in. Not so long ago he was involved in albums released under Revolting and Paganizer both of which were commendable to say the least but Miasmal Monstrosity under the Putrevore banner has a lot more of what I expect when the term old school death metal is used.
Evident from the first guttural note that this band was no joke, 'Those Who Dwell Beyond' lands you in a puddle of hurt. An explosive display of metal from the riffing and drumming right down to the vocals that sound as though an underground swamp of muck imploded. For most, that track alone would be more than enough to keep them invested; easily a winner for me but the real menace of guttural excretion struck immediately after; 'Vortex Devourer'. Mother of septicemia, this track is a fucking monster, it brings to life the cover image that so easily balls-up the effect of this album.
You'll feel shat on and decimated by the time Miasmal Monstrosity is done. A steaming 60-foot pile of dung comes tumbling down the death metal tunnel with 'Clad In Skin And Rot' that has a rather ominous guitar riff around the middle section. Paired with the gargantuan, gurgling vocals, this song crushes. And it must also be noted the installments on Miasmal Monstrosity all sound of their own, bearing different faces of delivering the mess.
These songs promise a beating and that's precisely what you get; Rogga ravages and rapes the guitars and bass with powerful pulses and riffs, the drumming does a fair bit of damage especially on the slower parts of per say a song like The 'Fleshment Awaits' as you can really feel the impact and appreciate the support given to amplify the thick audio texture on Miasmal Monstrosity.
You'll enjoy every bit of this record that is easily for me Rogga's best and most impressive musical involvement. You can hear the likes of Incantation, Disma and Undergang on Consume All Flesh via the pinch harmonics, thunderous death/doom breakdown sectors and the vocal snot of Dave Rotten.
Miasmal Monstrosity is worth every second of your time and support if you appreciate real death metal. Gutted and buried under a rubble of broken bones and putrefied flesh, with Miasmal Monstrosity, you'll find yourself amidst the muck and mess of a condemned death metal league.
Rating: 9.6 out of 10
608Views