MONDOCANE
Dvala
(Fallen Temple)
38:57min

Besides being from Sweden, I could not find any other information about MONDOCANE. This country has spawned some solid Black Metal bands such as MARDUK, DARK FUNERAL and WATAIN just to name a few. So one would assume that MONDOCANE would fall into a similar sound. But that is not the case. MONDOCANE steers away from that formula, keeping a really different approach in their songs. “Dvala”, their debut album, ranges from slow, marching parts to blastbeat happy segments and tight, yet melodic gitar / bass riffs. I also found a peculiar Industrial influence, which at first, surprised me, but then turned out a very welcomed detail. The subtle but effective keyboard parts add a certain grandiose feeling, like the instrumental song ‘No Signal’. Everything is kept under an almost ritualistic riff repetition; a colder and darker version of DRUDKH mixed with some early IMMORTAL / BURZUM. The vocals reminded me of a young, yet darker Abbath. The drumwork is solid and definitely could be more interesting, but doing so, they could detract from the overall atmosphere of the album. The guitars are sharp and precise. There is a hazing effect from the repeating riffs, which are both melodic and blunt. The martial segments, especially, have that drone quality to them. The bass never stands out, just following the guitars and keeping everything in place in the rhythm department. The mix is well balanced and the production is dense with a snappy edge. Curious enough, this album has a lot of bottom end for a Black Metal release, which I think is awesome. After years and years of sharp, ear shattering sound, I think Black Metal has evolved into much more refined music. I mean, it can still be the most evil, raw and fast music out there. But it can also be vast and, up to a certain point, elegant in its delivery. All these aspects combined provide a twisted and trance-like listening experience. Great album from a great new band that, I think, will evolve into something much more interesting and unique. Support the band here: www.facebook.com/mondocaneofficial. And get their material from their label here: www.facebook.com/fallentemple666

Alfonso Perez

Alfonso Perez

Related reviews / interviews:
MONDOCANE - Gloria (Anders Peter Jørgensen)

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