Barathrum - Fanatiko |
Published May 6 2017
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Hellspawn |
| Genre | Black/Doom Metal |
Demonos Sova
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Vocals
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| Tracks | 8 |
Pelceboop
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Guitar
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| Running time | 36 Min. |
Raakalainen
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Guitar
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| Label | Saturnal Records |
Ruttokieli/Nuklear Tormentörr
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Bass
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| Release | April 28, 2017 |
Vendetta
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Drums
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| Country | Finland |
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Keyboard
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| Producer | John Oscar Dee | ||
| Similar bands | Beherit, Impaled Nazarene | ||
Some bands just tend to pass by pretty much unnoticed despite one's interest in similar acts. For yours truly, Barathrum is the prime example of such a phenomenon. Even though I greatly enjoy the early Finnish black metal scene, Barathrum's musical efforts has somehow slipped my attention. As the band has returned with a new full-length, 12 years after its predecessor, now seemed like the perfect time to dig into the world of chaos that is spelt Barathrum.
It does not take long to spot the distinct sound of early Finnish black metal when listening to 'Fanatiko'. The punk-influenced primitive black metal riffs bear a strong resemblance to early Beherit and Impaled Nazarene. As does the song structures which brings 'Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz…' in particular to mind. As with the aforementioned acts, chaos, aggression, and primal darkness springs from the sound on 'Fanatiko'. There are also some particularly strong doom influences present which give Barathrum a distinct sound and enhance the sensation of an evil presence lurking over one's shoulder, much owed by the distinct presence of the double bass guitars. The addition of a few heavy metal leads furthermore gives 'Fanatiko' some catchiness.
A feature I particularly enjoy are the insane vocals. Lead vocalist Demonos Sova strongly bellows forth his messages of doom and destruction. The addition of numerous well-placed varied backing vocals, however, gives 'Fanatiko' a dynamic display of vocal incantations (particularly in the doomy sections) only rivalled by Attila Csihar. The result is an even stronger sense of claustrophobia and madness. If there ever was a soundtrack to frenzied vodka-fueled full moon sacrifices in the midst of the Finnish woodlands, this is it.
How well 'Fanatiko' matches the old efforts by Barathrum
remains to be investigated. It is, however, a great album in its own
and more than enough reason to look deeper into the bands previous creations.
Saints beware, sinners rejoice, Barathrum is back!
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Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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6 |
7 |
6 |
9 |
7 |
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Summary
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7 chalices of 10 - Tengan |
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