Mortals are from the US and play Black Metal. This is their second album.
This is a Crusty form of Black Metal that takes the Darkthrone sound and kind of crosses it with a band like High on Fire to create something a bit different yet recognisable instantly.
This is an album of long songs that are primitive but not in a negative way. There is a sort of primal power to the riffs and energy that the band offer the listener.
The vocals are serrated rasps that call out to the darkness and the terror within. They’re ably produced and a satisfying listen, the same of which can be said for the album as a whole really.
The song lengths give the Darkthrone-esque riffs time to germinate and seed, allowing the band to develop them fully.
The tracks are bleakly emotive and hit the spot whether the band are playing fast and sharp, slow and dirge-like or mid-paced and rocking. Whatever, it all hinges around razor sharp riffing and a guitar tone to die for.
A very nice release indeed. Old-School Black Metal with a helping of Sludge and arrogance. Just what the doctor ordered.
Wonderbox Metal 