Artist: Myrkskog
Label: Candlelight Records
Release Date: 9/17/02
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Title: Superior Massacre Artist: Myrkskog Label: Candlelight Records Release Date: 9/17/02 |
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Abyss's Review:
Well thank God someone made a Superior Massacre! I've been getting so sick and tired of those cheap, imitation massacres. The Zyklon boys (not to be confused with Zyklon-B, mind you) return with their sophomore album from (don't call it a side project) Myrkskog. I was initially surprised by how American it sounded to me, being comprised almost entirely of rhythm and foresaking the melody I normally associate with European acts, and I found myself feeling a little refreshed.
"I've been getting so sick and tired of those cheap, imitation massacres." Myrkskog's new album gave me an experience I haven't had in awhile. Sensory overload. What with most of today's metal utilizing more and more melody, or more and more groove, I almost forgot what it's like to listen to an album that comes across as a sonic blanket that envelops you without warning. You find yourself disoriented and struggle to figure out which way is up. It is only with repeated listens that you begin to distinguish between the songs, adding to the adrenaline rush.
The songs on this album come in two speeds: fast and faster. There are few if any breakdowns, so if you're looking for a headbanging riff to separate the blastbeats, you might want to look elsewhere. That's not to say that there is no character in these songs, it's just not as obvious as we're used to. Some listeners might find it a little boring compare to Zyklon (and Emperor as well for that matter) because they're not trying to impress you, they're not even trying to get you to raise your horns in the air. What they are trying to do is to leave you dumbfounded and overwhelmed. Are they successful? I think so, but at the same time I must admit that I only dig this album a few songs at a time, and whenever I listen to the whole thing, I begin getting a little bored. Basically, I like this record, but it isn't in the same league with Emperor or Zyklon, but that's not that bad because it's not meant to be.
"What they are trying to do is to leave you dumbfounded and overwhelmed. Are they successful?" This is a good album but not essential. I actually think a lot of Zyklon/Emperor fans will be a little disappointed if they don't know what they're in for. One word review: Cool.
Death's Review:
Metal Judgment readers are surely familiar with the concept of Norwegian black metal. But Norwegian death metal? That may be another story. Myrkskog follow up their Deathmachine debut with another all-out death metal assault, generally devoid of melody and plenty fast to appease fans of related bands like Zyklon. However, I like this album mostly for the riffing which shines through the chaos and slaps the listener right in the face. The brutality does not obliterate the riffs, and for this Mykrskog deserves a listen.
"Norwegian death metal?"
Of course, Myrkskog is nowhere near Emperor levels of complexity and artistry; rather they do a good job of staying sparse enough for the brutal, uncompromising death metal message to come across full throttle. The songs do have their own character, but unfortunately not enough of one for me to call anything on here catchy. Overall the music is good, not great, mostly because many of the tracks are a relative blur once the CD comes out of the player. In short this is nothing fabulous, but fans of hyper-fast and brutal death metal, particularly of the Norwegian variety, will surely want to take note.
"Myrkskog is nowhere near Emperor levels of complexity and artistry."
Hel's Review:
Ah, it's a Superior Massacre indeed. By the time you finish the "Outro," you'll find your ears have been massacred beyond all recognition, except for the highly recognizable blood gushing from where they used to be.
"This record is all about noise." From where I stand, both tracks, "Intro" and "Outro," are completely useless. There are occasions where random noises are useful for the purposes of setting a mood. Not so in this instance. Here, there are utterly, completely useless and irritating filler.
"This is something that I can appreciate, and inevitably enjoy." This record is all about noise. Once you turn the volume up very, very loud, you will learn that it is not a total wall of white noise, but several distinct instruments being played ridiculously fast. This is something that I can appreciate, and inevitably enjoy.
Unfortunately, the record lacks a cohesive flow within the songs - much of the time it seems like they're just too busy trying to play as fast as possible to pay attention to this extra level of detail. So people looking for that perfect death metal album may not feel that this is it, but regardless, they've created some entertainingly brutal music, and this is a fun death metal frolic.
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