As Finland has such a strong representation as it does in the black metal field, with bands such as Archgoat, Horna, Impaled Nazarene, Sargeist and Behexen to name but a few, I was expecting great things from Saturnian Mists latest sacrifice, especially with the comprehensive and loaded existence they have built to date. Hmmmmmm, how wrong was I, I actually ended up disappointed with ‘Shamatanic’, even with giving it the benefit of the doubt and giving it multiple listens, I still just couldn’t get into it.
‘Ill-mystic’ opens the proceedings and from the start it just came across as confused and chaotic. The guitar work is a little too tinny and the drums are having their own party, not tying into any of the melodies or structure set by the strings or vocals. The core of the track is repetitive and monotonous, giving slight respite at times when the guitars become ‘chugging and slower’ although it soon switches back to the repetitive nature, we have already been carved open to.
So, just when you thought the annoying continuous looping nature of the backbone of a track can’t get any more irritating, ‘Blood Magick’ comes along. Now this is a beast of monotony. The vocals are on repeat throughout and the guitars and skins just seem to follow suit. Perhaps the only saving grace for the track is that it clocks in at a brief two minutes forty-nine so you aren’t subject to the torture for too long.
The album continues in pretty much the same way that the first two tracks have built, although that being said, there are some redeeming highlights to the package. ‘Chaos Is The Law’ has some melody to the back bone. This is a refreshing change in direction and allows more of a black metal esque style to be portrayed, while ‘The End Times’ opens with more of a satanic imposing intro before unleashing more ravenous and venomous vocals to the fray. ‘The End Times’ is probably the highlight of the album for me and I truly wish the rest of the album had been constructed in a similar form because I really enjoyed this track and it had me reaching for the repeat button.
To say I was expecting great things from this album is an understatement and while there are certain glimpses of brilliance and style, this is one that I will be putting to the back of the shelf and potentially never revisiting again I’m sad to say.
(4/10 Phil Pountney)
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