Miserys Omen Miserys Omen
Bindrune Recordings 2003 - BRR 002
By Tim Blake
Miserys Omenis an underground black metal trio, and here we have their self-titled demo which consists of 6 songs of passionate enthusiasm and fiery brimstone. Within the booklet can be found amusing and cutesy band member names: Arganoth Doom, D.E.M.O.N and Malificunt Pope Choker, which should give you some idea of the type of music these guys play dark as spades black goddamned metal. Thankfully, they throw in a few progressive twists to keep this from becoming a clichéd excursion into the bowels of dark music.
The first and most impressive track, Desolate Winds of Mars, gets going with a scream and a bounding, powerful riff. The accompanying vocals, provided by Arganoth Doom, are incredibly demented and demonic, complimenting the slightly hazy, thick production, and sinister riffage. After this powerful opening an excellent lead guitar soars over the music and tormented cries. Soon a lovely acoustic riff appears with mysterious, echoey leads, and whispered vocals, a slowly built atmosphere of calm soon crushed by one huge cry of anguish from Arganoth above distorted riffs. Certainly the best bit on the entire album. Desolate Winds of Mars is an epic slice of wonderfully progressive black metal, and worth the price of admission alone. The rest of the album never reaches that high again, but nonetheless is still good. Burning Reign begins as a slow march of doom, with quick bursts of blasting providing variety. There are interesting tempo shifts throughout, while the song builds to a heavy climax. Mortalias Abyss feels quite similar to Burning Reign, albeit with an even darker atmosphere, and some great majestic guitar leads coupled with cries of terror around the midsection. Ashes Smoulder is a wonderful little instrumental with acoustic guitars and fading leads. Antarctic Ice Chasms does its name proud with its icy character, slow smouldering riffs and bombastic bass playing. It is definitely one of the heaviest tracks, but relies on weight and depth of playing, not on blasts. To Worship Stone Gods is as thick and hefty as stone itself, is a solid track with manic playing and a strong outro, but not a real standout.
In conclusion, I cant say that I felt too hopeful after reading the names of the band members that this would be very deep or original music, but that old adage, never judge a book by its cover is in full effect here. These guys know how to craft some deeply original music that is successful at displaying its own uniquely atmospheric character. Fuzzy production perfectly complements the eerie guitar lines which pervade the album, particularly the brilliant first song, and the vocals - although all over the place and completely unhinged - work wonders due to the tone and moods evoked. If I had a complaint it would be that none of the songs following the first can match its amazing mix of heavy psychosis and creepy, exceptional softer sections. It brings to mind the contrasting styles of bands such as Opeth or Acid Bath, but is even more menacing thanks to the insane vocals. Thankfully, tracks like Mortalias Abyss and Antartic Ice Chasms are almost as impressive, while others like Burning Reign or To Worship Stone Gods are good but not as great. Miserys Omensound like a band that is incredibly close to something special, but just an arms length away. With slightly tighter song-writing and a bit more variety they would be incredible. Id be interested to see what the future holds for this intriguing band, as this self-titled demo is of unexpectedly high quality and, more importantly, potential.
8.5/10
Official Misery's Omen Website
Official Mindrunes Recording Website
Bindrune Recordings 2003 - BRR 002
By Tim Blake
Miserys Omenis an underground black metal trio, and here we have their self-titled demo which consists of 6 songs of passionate enthusiasm and fiery brimstone. Within the booklet can be found amusing and cutesy band member names: Arganoth Doom, D.E.M.O.N and Malificunt Pope Choker, which should give you some idea of the type of music these guys play dark as spades black goddamned metal. Thankfully, they throw in a few progressive twists to keep this from becoming a clichéd excursion into the bowels of dark music.
The first and most impressive track, Desolate Winds of Mars, gets going with a scream and a bounding, powerful riff. The accompanying vocals, provided by Arganoth Doom, are incredibly demented and demonic, complimenting the slightly hazy, thick production, and sinister riffage. After this powerful opening an excellent lead guitar soars over the music and tormented cries. Soon a lovely acoustic riff appears with mysterious, echoey leads, and whispered vocals, a slowly built atmosphere of calm soon crushed by one huge cry of anguish from Arganoth above distorted riffs. Certainly the best bit on the entire album. Desolate Winds of Mars is an epic slice of wonderfully progressive black metal, and worth the price of admission alone. The rest of the album never reaches that high again, but nonetheless is still good. Burning Reign begins as a slow march of doom, with quick bursts of blasting providing variety. There are interesting tempo shifts throughout, while the song builds to a heavy climax. Mortalias Abyss feels quite similar to Burning Reign, albeit with an even darker atmosphere, and some great majestic guitar leads coupled with cries of terror around the midsection. Ashes Smoulder is a wonderful little instrumental with acoustic guitars and fading leads. Antarctic Ice Chasms does its name proud with its icy character, slow smouldering riffs and bombastic bass playing. It is definitely one of the heaviest tracks, but relies on weight and depth of playing, not on blasts. To Worship Stone Gods is as thick and hefty as stone itself, is a solid track with manic playing and a strong outro, but not a real standout.
In conclusion, I cant say that I felt too hopeful after reading the names of the band members that this would be very deep or original music, but that old adage, never judge a book by its cover is in full effect here. These guys know how to craft some deeply original music that is successful at displaying its own uniquely atmospheric character. Fuzzy production perfectly complements the eerie guitar lines which pervade the album, particularly the brilliant first song, and the vocals - although all over the place and completely unhinged - work wonders due to the tone and moods evoked. If I had a complaint it would be that none of the songs following the first can match its amazing mix of heavy psychosis and creepy, exceptional softer sections. It brings to mind the contrasting styles of bands such as Opeth or Acid Bath, but is even more menacing thanks to the insane vocals. Thankfully, tracks like Mortalias Abyss and Antartic Ice Chasms are almost as impressive, while others like Burning Reign or To Worship Stone Gods are good but not as great. Miserys Omensound like a band that is incredibly close to something special, but just an arms length away. With slightly tighter song-writing and a bit more variety they would be incredible. Id be interested to see what the future holds for this intriguing band, as this self-titled demo is of unexpectedly high quality and, more importantly, potential.
8.5/10
Official Misery's Omen Website
Official Mindrunes Recording Website
