Mastiphal
Parvzya ()
Wydane przez Witching Hour Productions/Code 7/Plastic Head DistributionRok wydania Kraj PolandNapisał Wouter7
One of Poland's first black metal acts, Mastiphal formed in 1991, alongside Behemoth, Christ Agony and Graveland "Parzvya" is the first batch of new material since 1995's "For A Glory Of All Evil Spirits". Joined by three new members the creative duo of Flauros (vocals) and Cymeris (guitars) now sound more potent than ever. The basis for their sound is a combination of early bass-heavy black metal in vein of (early) Samael and Mayhem's classic sound of "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". Mastiphal now sound somewhat like mid-period Christ Agony ("Daemoonseth: Act II", "Moonlight: Act III"), but both acts clearly aim at different goals. Like any of the classic black metal acts Mastiphal does not shy away from integrating esoteric leads/solos into their material. A track like 'Man Strikes God Falls' displays "De Profundis" era Vader like intensity. The drumming has drastically improved and Flauros' strangled rasps are truly evil sounding. Compared to their debut the songs here are far more dynamic with swirling melodies and ambitious song structures. This record proves in spades that black metal needs not to fall into directionless blasting and evil posturing to sound unearthly, gloomy and devilish. The primary strength of this record is that it brings the classic '90s black metal sound into the current century without betraying its roots or doing concessions in authenticity. The production by Maq Studio and a high end mixing job by Necromorbus Studio (Demonical, Deströyer 666, Funeral Mist, Sathanas, Watain) allows "Parvzya" to match itself with any major label release. Mastiphal stands victorious over the majority of underground competitors in this genre and proves that strong songwriting will always win over the tastes and trends du jour.
www.witchinghour.pl
