I can close my eyes and envision being in Aokigahara, A forest in Japan at the northwest base of Mount Fuji that is known as a popular place for suicides. The forest apparently has a historic association with Demons.  Enter Osmose Production Record artists Cohol and their second album Rigen.  Describing themselves as ‘Blackened Crystal Death’, COHOL is an amalgam of many different styles.  Cohol stands for, “Consumed the Obsessed Hatred On The Liturgy”.

I am not surprised at all that COHOL toured Japan with Portal.  I could see how they would contrast each other.  COHOL have a much cleaner guitar sound and it does not sound like they play eight string guitars.  In watching some live videos I can see where stage attire might be similar to an extent.

The second song “Infrastructure” has unbelievable layering going in the string section from sharp buzzsaw phord chords to layered dissonant harmonies over sharply abrasive vocals.  I would compare the vocals to a band like Summon or maybe to an extent Dimmu Borgir. The clean section of “Infrastructure” is quite breathtaking.

The following song “Chaos Ruler” feels like being thrown into a different frying pan and for some reason reminds of Behemoth’s Demigod.  For the sake of this review we could call it triumphant riffing, invoking the feeling of going into battle.

Osmose Productions continues to be one of the best International underground metal labels there is.  They seem to always find unique sounding artists. From bands like Immortal to Marduk to Angel Corpse to even Impaled Nazarene it seems like they always find the most eclectic talent across the world.

COHOL has created a very memorable album here and being on the Osmose roster is no surprise after listening to all of Rigen.  Rigen is meant for anyone that is looking for an avant garde black/death record that is well produced. Give this one a chance if you are looking for something outside of the burial vault.

[Visit the band's website]

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