Avsky - Mass Destruction LP
$13.00
Avsky - Mass Destruction LP
$13.00
This item is unavailable.
Although the case is that black metal bands rely heavily on the guitars to do the majority of the work, Sweden’s Avsky, do that, but are capable of so much more. Since many regard the vast majority of black metal bands as simplistic, I’m finding it difficult to review ‘Mass Destruction’, the first full-length record from this talented two man band. Whilst the production is clear enough to allow me to hear everything that is going on, I am still unable to put into words how this record is strung together, and what it’s functions do to me.
For a while now I’ve been meaning to review this record and I’ve avoided it for that very reason. I’m struggling to put into words what I want to say about it. However, I’ll give it my best shot. In some ways, Avsky remind me of the old school black metal sound. I can see them getting a few comparisons to the old style of Darkthrone, though I actually prefer this to the Darkthrone style of old. There is certainly that raw edge that many of the old school bands had as their main driving force. However, whilst the raw edge is constantly accessible to the listener, it’s not the only feature, or even the main feature of the record that makes it as enjoyable as it is. The guitar work is superb. Repetition is a technique often associated with black metal bands, especially of old, but this is where the Avsky divide of their old and new sound is clear. The guitars, whilst encompassing that old school heavy sound, have a slight modern day twist to them. The guitars aren’t that repetitive.
There is a lot more expression in terms of guitar work used on this record than a lot of black metal bands used. When it comes to bridging the gap between the old and new sounds, Avsky have hit the nail on the head with this effort. The effects are what makes the guitars so appealing. The old school style of producing heavy sounding riffs, one after the other, is blended in with the more modern day work of adding effects to the riffs. The production is absolutely perfect for the audience because it allows the guitars to showcase the raw talent behind the scenes, as well as allowing Avsky to make headway in other departments too. This isn’t any more so true than on the drums. The work on the drums here is superb. Avsky’s heart and soul has seemingly gone into producing a sound that is familiar, but unlike most things we’ve heard. The drudging soundscapes, which are produced mainly by slow-mid paced tempos, are idealistic for the band’s sound.
This slower paced black metal is the perfect solution for the bass used on the record too. Generally keeping the album to a slower speed means that the bass can play a significant role in enhancing the guitar work, which is brilliant anyway. Whilst the vocals may not be as good as the rest of the work poured into the album, they are adequate. The lyrics that go with them are perfect, to be honest. The hate filled rasps, which occasionally differ, sing with passion and pride about the most negative aspects of life. From evil to hatred, apparently and the lyrics express just that. Metal-Archives
Pressing Information
Humanity Plague. 2017.
