This Þyrmir EP would probably be a hard sell if you didn't enjoy Shamaatae's recent full-length masterpiece ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ, but since that was one of my favorite metal releases of the year, I was very curious to hear new material.Well, there is a single new track here, "Þyrmir", which is similar to the material on the full-length, albeit bearing more of a direct thrash/death influence in the riffs. The atmosphere is hostile and dense like that of the full-length, perhaps even thicker. Over a doom-like breakdown, Shamaatae uses extremely guttural vocals to create a looming, shadowy presence. The other track is not an original, but a cover of Pentagram's "Be Forewarned". The song does little for me to begin with, aside from its killer bridge section, and I'm not sure this version is about to change my mind, but a little raw personality does shine through in Shamaatae's vocals. Aside from the thick bass and chug of the guitar, it does not bear much in common with Arckanum's original work. The solo is pretty cool sounding.
Whether Arckanum will continue the Þ titling on his future efforts is yet to be seen, but he has at least done so here. I can't give the EP much of a recommendation...there is only one original track, and though it's passable, it is not up to the level of the asskicking that was ÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞÞ. This is obviously marketed for the diehards.
Verdict: Indifference [6/10]
http://www.arckanum.se/
No comments:
Post a Comment