The Fathomless Deep - "The Fathomless Deep" Review

Review from metalunderground.com

The Fathomless Deep’s debut self titled release is a medley of songs that tend to stick with the listener long after they’ve walked away from it. Perhaps somewhat untypical for a Finnish band, these guys have taken a far lean to the more avante-garde aspect of metal; reminiscent of bands like Unexpect, while still being brutal enough to be considered death metal.
One of the really special aspects about the album is the diversity of the musicians. The vocals are for the most part quite harsh, ranging from highs to more growling, dirty lows. A personal favorite off of the album is the track “Beneath Cursed Waters,” where we are treated with duets between epic clean vocals that battle the seas on waves of growls that threaten to bury everything in their way.
The Fathomless Deep has managed to create a completely unique compilation, and one that tends to shift styles in almost every song. The musicians have given their instruments personalities that differ and change just as our own moods do. At times it seems as if the guitars are having arguments with each other and at these moments the violin steps in to make peace, while the vocals authoritatively and effectively conquer and force submission from all.
Combined with the soaring notes of the melancholy, yet at times enraged, violin, the guitars manage to hold their own and still be leading instruments. Unlike many violinists who are content to be in the background, the composer here has made violin melodies an integral part in every song. This album will appeal to listeners fond of changing it up a bit, those of us who are tired of the same few recycled riffs and overused genres, from this refreshingly creative group.

Highs: A unique metal album that is full of variety.

Lows: No real lows for me, though listeners of more standard genres of metal might feel lost with this release.

Bottom line: The Fathlomless Deep will be highly appealing to fans of death metal, as well as those who appreciate avant-garde metal. This album will become a regular listen for ears that are prepared for it.

official website : thefathomlessdeep

Mussorgski - "Chaos And Paranormal Divinity" Review

After a hiatus that lasted nearly fourteen years, the two piece Black/ Doom Ambient Metal band Mussorgski is back with a vengeance. Sounding just as eerie without losing any ferocity, their latest effort 'Chaos...' is mystical and divine at the same time; those who worship any sort of atmospheric Black or Doom Metal will fall in love with it. For those not familiar with the works of Mussorgski the music might sound quite a bit repetitive such as on the opening "Industrial Technology...", as it tends to survive on the same notes though lengthy guitar notes, keyboard, and snarls, whispers and industrial/ ambient elements. Some usually might consider this 'white noise,' but Mussorgski has been sure to  make the production clear so the beauty of the ambience can be heard and listeners can still get lost in the music rather than feel whitewashed by distortion. Other tracks like "7th Son's..." are a bit louder and are still thick in sound but sound a lot more Black Metal oriented, or even Black n' Roll with touches of symphonic elements. This kind of marriage will certainly appeal to those who like more complex bands like Farsot.
For the most part though, Mussorgski will keep things on the quiet front in Metal with their music. The twin "Paranormal Divinity" is an excellent track to get lost in, the first part "Inside" sounding like a nightmare with whispering voices executed in just the right tones with swirls of distortion to create the ultimate 'Black Ambient' track whereas the second half shows off the symphonic side with piano, keyboard, and just a subtle tone that closes out the album very well with style. For those who feel that Funeral Doom/ Black Ambient has gotten too saturated by relying on distortion to create atmosphere, then 'Chaos...' is a great place to re-ignite the fire for remembering how much skill it takes to create Metal and harmony together in an esoteric way. Plus, the lyrical/ song title delivery is as chilling as ever, making Mussorgski's work a true example of 'thinking man's/ womans' Metal.'

Dodecahedron - "Dodecahedron" Review

As the original crop of black metal legends fade out or move on to new sounds, it’s up to a new generation of grim musicians to keep the banner waving. While many have merely imitated the sound, just enough of them actually hold true to the ideals of the genre and take the style further into new territory. Simultaneously jarring and harmonious, the debut offering from Dutch act Dodecahedron runs along the razor thin edge between two worlds and strikes all the right chords to be a properly disturbing black metal release that isn’t overly derivative.
The self-titled effort is billed as post-black metal, and that’s a nebulous enough term that it may or may not actually fit the music. Anyone seeing that particular genre identifier definitely shouldn’t think they are in for an ambient or atmospheric trip along the lines of something like Falloch, however. There may be some calmer sections here and there, but “Dodacehedron” is pretty uniformly crushing for its duration.
If the music was to be compared to the output of any other band, it would have to be Deathspell Omega, as the album is strongly in the same sort of spirit as the “Paracletus” release, even if the delivery ends up a bit different. The focus is on amazingly heavy yet completely discordant sounds, but there’s still an underlying melody that occasionally comes to the forefront. When they do appear, the melodic aspects don’t disappoint and are appropriately unhinged and bizarre, of course. Dodecahedron’s vocalist spits out his screams and shrieks like death curses at his enemies, as this is straight up spiteful music with a grudge that just won’t let go. Alternating between frantic blast beating black metal and music with a more measure pace that goes past eerie into frankly unsettling territory, these songs are a constant assault on the senses that can leave a listener disoriented.
“Dodecahedron” creates the sort of feeling that one can’t help but imagine was experienced by the first terrified religious parent to be exposed to unholy black metal in all its fury. This is music for people who like to be actively disturbed by their metal. These guys have a direct line to the darkness of the human soul, and they aren’t afraid to share it.

Highs: A tight balancing act between totally discordant and eerily melodic, all while being massively heavy.
Lows: The space themed interlude track doesn't perfectly fit the mood of the rest of the album.
Bottom line: Massively heavy and slightly disturbing black metal that hits the right balance of discordance and harmony.

"'Dodecahedron' creates the sort of feeling that one can’t help but imagine was experienced by the first terrified religious parent to be exposed to unholy black metal in all its fury."