The Pitch: The oppressive sophomore album from Swedish blackened death metal band Musmahhu presented via Iron Bonehead. FFO: Mephorash, Descent, Sulphur Aeon
What I Like: Put simply, Reign of the Odious is a really solid album. There's no filler, the quality remains consistent throughout, and it's impossible to not be caught up in the atmosphere. Musmahhu are another one of those bands who seem to shroud the entire listening space in smoke; suffocating the listener into submission. Oppressive death vocals mix modern approaches with the gritty old school Swedish scene, adding some blackened wretches to keep things interesting. The layering of the guitars and heavy use of reverb on the drums creates a sound that seems to come from all directions. It's a whirlwind of blackened death metal riffs punctuated by cataclysmic bass kicks. Enter the storm.
Critiques: There is little in the way of variety, which leads to the tracks largely blurring together. Furthermore, I don't hear much that differentiates this project from the hundreds of others who take a very similar approach.
The Verdict: While I have to subtract a few points for lacking originality, Musmahhu take a familiar sound to its natural pinnacle. From the atmosphere to the performances, everything is exactly as it should be. Definitely recommended to those who just can't get enough top quality blackened death metal.
Flight's Fav's: Apocalyptic Brigade of Forbidden Realms, Slaughter of the Seraphim, Spectral Congregation of Anguish
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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