I had zero expectations for this album. Considering the label’s recent out put, that cover, the moniker and album title that reads as ‘mediocrity’ at a glance. However, with this sophomore effort, these Swiss vets (who have toiled in DarkRise since 2003) have actually , along with Epsilon’s Zu Richten and Tomb of Finland‘s Below the Green, are bringing a small measure of respect back for Mighty Music.

What we have here, is some technical-ish death metal that has a very heavy Dutch sound a la Sinister, Prostitute Disfigurement,  Houwitser and such, especially in the sharp, guitar tone and twisty delivery. Throw in some impressive blast furnace vocals from Nicolas Troillon, and you have a very enjoyable, competent album of death metal.

It’s not going to change death metal, but those looking for a new, fresh fix from maybe a previously unknown source, you could do way worse,. It’s got lots of slicing, pinch harmonic blasts (“Sidewalk Business”), plenty of groovy lurches ( especially “Captain Obvious”), squealing solos and those aforementioned powerful unprocessed vocals. There’s even some sneaky melody tucked in the Sinister-ish slices (“The Art of Avoidance”). The guys know how to play and their experience from 4 albums with DarkRise shows.

From opener “Pedagogy Fuck Fest” to closer “Disregard”, the album is just satisfying, no frills death metal, something Mighty Music used to be really good at. Let’s hope they are back on track as Sounds Of Fury certainly seems to point that way.

[Visit the band's website]

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