Mädäntyneen Jumalan Silmä "Ihminen Saastaa / Maailma Palaa / Vesi Sataa tuhkille" CD

Here we got another example of Finnish quality black metal, this time from a band with the (for me at least) difficult to pronounce name “Mädäntyneen Jumalan Silmä”. I am apologizing in advance as I am going to simply name them MJS from now on. The title of their debut full length is not easier to remember for me ,being named “Ihminen saastaa / Maailma palaa / Vesi sataa tuhkille”. I have no clue what that could mean, but from what I heard in a review at YT it seems that the album title should somehow express that this record consists of three different parts. What really counts though is the music itself, and on this front I can clearly give two thumbs up. This album alternates between the mid-range and upper range of the guitar over blast beats, trading tremolo riffs back and forth before dropping into a slower, more melancholy section that breaks up the flurried wall of sound. Small touches make the difference between the single songs, with some implemented tempo changes or more atmospheric sections breaking up the blasting. Some of the best moments of the album come from mid-tempo and groovy parts, like e.g. shown on track number six “Kosto Nousee Maasta”, which is an outstanding piece of black art.
MJS play their music with a lot of energy and talent, showing a true passion for the original style and channeling it into the band’s own creativity. It’s the love for the origins of the genre and the roots of their country’s scene that drives MJS, and it shows on “Mädäntyneen Jumalan Silmä” with flying colors. The pounding drum style and riff changes all mirror the obvious idols and their more-known fellow countrymen with uncanny accuracy.
What I am missing a bit when compared to e.g. their label colleagues from Ancient Hatred is the feeling for absolutely outstanding and breath-taking riffs and harmonies, and the talent to mix all the well-known ingredients together to create something that might not be completely new, but shows more of the band’s own DNA. It is difficult to nail down what exactly is the difference in the song-writing department, but I have the feeling that with a little bit more courage this album could have been even more than just a rock-solid attempt. On the other hand we are talking about a debut, so given the great potential which is obvious here I am excited to see what’s next from these lads.
The vocals are very desperate and slightly hysterical, lending the music a strong depressive black metal vibe. This approach perfectly fits to the bleak and frosty music, and the often stoic and monotone main chords. Something similar can be said about the production, which is harsh and cruel and highlights the atmosphere of the icy and grim music. Overall an album absolutely worth the time and money of genre fans.

Sample: https://madantyneenjumalansilm...