MOUTH OF MADNESS is a German Black Metal band that was formed in 2013, having released their self-titled debut in 2016, the group has recently returned from a long hiatus to issue their debut full-length, “Event Horizon”, through Darkness Shall Rise Productions. MOUTH OF MADNESS is not a conventional sounding Black Metal band. Rather than replicate the formula used by bands of old, they craft a unique tonality of their own by combining trace elements of Thrash Metal and, among other traits, creative emphasis on composition, especially in a rhythmic sense. Consisting of nine tracks clocking in at slightly over 35 minutes of material, “Event Horizon” is comprised of four instrumentals and five proper songs. The album opens with ‘Transhimalaja+ Part I’, which is a short ambient introductory piece consisting of simple synth interactions which leads into a second instrumental ‘Sex And Thanatos’. ‘Sex And Thanatos’ is a jarring change of pace compared to the relative airy introductory track, featuring furious down-picking, hard hitting drum work and almost Punk like rhythmic patterns across its short spastic lifespan. ‘Year Of The Dog’ is the first ‘proper’ track of the record, displaying powerful Black Metal leanings and Thrash Metal style drumming which rotates between blast beats and ’80s style Thrash Metal galloping. It is near constant barrage of fury and ugliness but it is compositionally sound as it gives room to breathe through breaks, transitions, and changes of pacing. ‘At The Heart Of The Unknown’ ramps up the Black Metal stylings through the use of typical single-note tremolo melodies that sonically weave with one another like venomous serpents. Heavily emphasized downbeats drive the song forward into collisions of sound, where the drums and guitars interact in a manner that shines through the quagmire of boring modern Black Metal bands. ‘Worms’ is another masterful combination of Black Metal aesthetic with Thrash Metal tonality. Constantly churning and pushing forward much like ‘At The Heart Of The Unknown’, it employs similar tactics such as rapid-fire breaks and forays into slower parts to keep the song from going stale. The crown jewel of “Event Horizon” is the nine minute long epic, ‘Fireborn’. Packed with a constant rhythmic barrage of riff work, ‘Fireborn’ lurches and looms large as a pale shadow haunting the record. The production on “Event Horizon” is crystal clear and well thought out. The guitars are bright and forward, interacting with snapping snares and mid-range heavy bass drums with a strong bass guitar presence that isn’t totally drowned out in the mix. The emphasis on rhythmic interaction between the drum patterns and riff structures simply cannot be understated, it is truly high-tier composition and blows away many other modern bands. Hopefully, there won’t be another nine years between new material. Pound for pound, this is A-grade modern Black Metal that deserves to be heard. For more information on MOUTH OF MADNESS, see www.facebook.com/thewolvesofgolgatha. For more information on Darkness Shall Rise Productions, check out www.facebook.com/darknessshallriseproductions.