Year: 2020
Total Time: 29:45
Label: Off Records
The Finnish band MUSTASUO is a power trio which has a great antipathy for the sun! For as long as the sun tries to rise in Finland (not quite often indeed) these guys are pouring out to fight him using their sonic Crust/Black weapons. They seem to fight their inner demons and happy art so with “Katharsis” they are trying to win and eliminate the despair from their souls.
Mixing with fiery screams, dynamic drumming and Grindcore elements, MUSTASUO are seeding bane and absolute despair. Their musical performance is cold, grim and painful, every note is a pain in the @ss incorporating elements from Crust, industrial noises and raw Black Metal hopscotch. For almost thirty minutes they are stretching the listener’s nerves until the collapse with a musical approach which is seeking danger. This makes “Katharsis” sound more like an exercise of courage than a typical record listening. All songs are written by guitarist and singer Antti Saarilampi. Also in “Katharsis” participate many guests like Aimo (KANTAMUS), Otto ( DEPTH BEYOND ONE’S), Eetu Viika (NISTIKKO) and Keijo Niinimaa (ROTTEN SOUND) who is also responsible for the production and mixing. Speaking of ROTTEN SOUND, this seems to be the main influence of MUSTASUO. The artwork is a painting by Finnish realist and symbolist painter of 19th century Hugo Simberg and the mastering has been made by Brad Boatright, well known for his collaboration with CONVERGE and OBITUARY.
MUSTASUO with “Katharsis” is following the tradition of the Finnish groups to ignore the terms of mainstream and radio friendly music. It is recommended for fans of ROTTEN SOUND and WAKE, but with a fresh and alternate look. The moment of peace after catharsis is unique, but this “Katharsis” is a big punch to the stomach.
Rating: 6.5/10
Editor: Dimos Karadimos
Related Link: MUSTASUO – Facebook Page
