This is the second album from New Zealand solo blackened heavy metal band Miasmata.
Subterrania brings us 39 minutes of material from the artist behind Miasmata. The style is a mix of black, speed, thrash, and heavy metal, and these six songs exemplify how to combine these elements into something cohesive and entertaining.
Subterrania is a really fun, engaging album to listen to. It balances its influences well so that it’s an effortlessly satisfying listen. The artist delivers extreme metal that takes liberally from its parent styles, merging black, speed, thrash, and heavy metal seamlessly. Yep, it’s a feast of blackened heavy metal, so get ready to chomp down hard.
The songs are filled with blackened darkness and melodic light. It’s almost a clash of styles, except for the fact that they complement each other perfectly. Ferocious aggression meets melancholic melody, as classic metal leads explode into being and burning hot riffs sear your brain. The guitarwork is first rate throughout. There are so many quality riffs, rhythms, leads, structures, and dynamics, that you can’t move without running face-first into something impressive. I should say that the rest of the instruments are equally adroitly handled too. Musically, this is as sharp as a razor, well-constructed, and just hits the spot.
Of the vocals, these don’t let the side down either. They’re harsh, ragged utterances that stylistically walk the line between first and second wave black metal, with a thrashy edge. They’re also more charismatic than they have any right to be. I really like that the singer’s voice has personality and doesn’t just do the same thing all the time. I also really like the occasional use of cleaner vocals too, although these are quite rare.
Primarily upbeat and energetic, the artist still finds the time between blazing riffs and soaring melodies to make sure he uses mood and atmosphere where needed, including the use of keyboards to add texture and layers. The songs, especially the longer ones, take the time to actually go places, crafting soundscapes that allow the listener to dive into the material’s substance, as well as to enjoy the instant appeal aspects of the music.
Subterrania speaks to my love of black metal, but also of heavy metal thunder. Taken together, it’s just damn good stuff. Unexpectedly so, in fact. The artist behind Miasmata has created a cracking record in Subterrania.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 