The title of Mosfet’s previous album tells you the style of their music: “Deathlike Thrash’n’Roll” And that’s what it is. “Screwing the Devil” comprises 10 tracks of solid, tight and juggernaut-like thrashing death metal. It’s easy to see why Dan Swanö is a fan.
From beginning to end, “Screwing the Devil” cries out “entertainment” as pungent riffs and solos intertwine to create constant excitement. But these Austrians provide a bonus. Unlike many bands whose growly vocals are just an add-on to the atmosphere, here the growls do not prevent the lyrics from being audible. I thought the lyrics of drinking ode “Road Song” were somewhat trite, but all was taken back when I heard “From Rare to Done”. “That’s the way, ah ha, I like it” – was that KC and the Sunshine Band? Well it’s Mosfet too, and we’re talking here about meat: “That’s the way, ah ha, I like it – well done, well done. If it’s rare, I hate it”. As the unbaiting riff, deep bass and chunky energy hooked me in, I was sucked in further by the classic lyric “the taste of the meat, it gives me the creeps, my one and only meal for the next seven weeks”. Mosfet have humour and each of the tracks has a vivid theme which adds to its greatness, but this isn’t a novelty album. Amid the fun, the punchy crunch thrash gymnastics continue. The style is somewhat uniform maybe but Mosfet have the ability to develop each song without fuss, making them a great listen.
Relentlessly, “Screwing the Devil” crashes on like a headbang festival. Mr Essl’s vocals croak on entertainingly, while the guitars continue to add colour and life to this meaty metal affair. After the suitably unwholesome “Sexpot”, “Booze, Boobs and Bedroom Battles” picks up the pace and noise level, thundering on like a train while dazzling us with its instrumental work and entertaining lyrical bombast. It may be as heavy as hell, but in delivery it’s as smooth and accomplished as anything I’ve heard, with all instruments merging in rampant energy. Toes will tap and heads will bang. Momentarily “BBQ” reminded me of Carach Angren in its raucousness and narration style but instead of being theatrical, this is achieved through sophisticated death-like brutality and aggressive patterns. The drums take us away for the umpteenth time. “Deep Dark Hole” is another breathless and multi-coloured piece of thrash’n’roll, never letting up its energy for a second. Drinking, metal, general defiance, making deals with Mephisto and political incorrectness dominate this collection of melodic riots. Occasionally, it grinds down to a crawl, but it soon gets back to swirling, twirling metal energy. It’s impossible to ignore. “Tales of a Diarrhoea Werewolf Pt II: Screwing the Devil” closes the album and displays the many sides of Mosfet with its immaculate songmanship, sublime solos, smooth transitions, and gut-busting riffage and instrumental work.
“Screwing the Devil” has irresistible power and bursting energy. Accomplished instrumentals and consummate timing accompany its ten highly charged and entertaining songs. This album is in constant motion. My guess is that Mosfet are a great live band, judging by the way they have brought this recording to life.
(9/10 Andrew Doherty)
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