It’s been 5 years since the last full length release of Polish Death Metal band DIRA MORTIS. I guess the guys took their time to craft “Ancient Breath Of Forgotten Misanthropy” and it has been worth the wait. Featuring new vocalist Kuba Brewczynski, I think this album expands and takes forward their style. And speaking of Kuba, he suits the band pretty well. He combines defined growls with high pitched variations that keep them from being stagnant and / or boring; great performance throughout. Mscislaw’s bass is prominent and solid, keeping things tight in the rhythm department along with drummer Vizun. Actually, these two guys provide a great backbone for Leszek’s guitars. I really liked most of his riffs, which have a NWOSDM feel. His leads are sharp and flashy, yet well thought and fitting. These are accomplished musicians and that fact stands out in every song. DIRA MORTIS’s sound is surprisingly different from some better known countrymates and that is a very welcomed aspect, since it seems that most Polish bands playing Death Metal have settled on a certain style that also blends in Black Metal. And although “Ancient Breath Of Forgotten Misanthropy” is a fast paced album, it is varied and has lots of different tempos and memorable moments. A perfect example of this is the song ‘Twilight Of Divine Purgatory’, where the band goes from a full blast attack to Doom Metal like segments and everything in between. This is my fave song due to its weird atmosphere and all the twists and subtle variations. Another thing worth mentioning is that the shortest song here clocks at 6:33 but the album flows flawlessly. It is so good that one cannot tell that all these songs are well above the average time (say 5 minutes or so) on any album in this subgenre. But what I liked the most is the production. It feels organic and natural, like going straight back to the 90s. That solely separated DIRA MORTIS from the average band that goes for that overproduced and way too polished plastic sound. Death Metal is not supposed to be shiny and perfect. The overall sound of “Ancient Breath Of Forgotten Misanthropy” is dark, menacing and full of dynamics. Like I said above, the bass is very prominent, mid-heavy with a twang (think a more obscure DD Verni). The guitars are a bit muffled but very well defined and that lead tone is simply brilliant. I was really shocked on how round and punchy the drums are, with no annoying click in the kick drum. The mix is well balanced, although I thought the vocals are a bit pushed back. This album is a perfect example of how Death Metal is to be played and presented. Solid, in your face, no frills, no fillers! Contact the band at www.facebook.com/diramortis and show them a well deserved support and get their album from the label here: www.facebook.com/selfmadegod