MYTHOS
Pain Amplifier
(Nuclear Winter Records)
38:38min

Nuclear Winter Records did great with catching up MYTHOS and releasing first their killer "Moulded In Clay" demo on a marvelous 10" EP with a topnotch packing and now their debut album "Pain Amplifier". The 10" EP is already sold out from the label and now NWR offers MYTHOS’ debut album "Pain Amplifier" on black gold for the first time. So what’s the difference to the CD-version, released in 1995 by Evil Omen Records, except for the format? Musically speaking there’s no difference to the CD-version at all. Nothing re-recorded (which was not necessary as the original sound killz), no additional song included – just the hidden track with the great cover of CARCASS’ very own ‘Reek Of Putrefaction’ which already could be found on the original CD-version. The other hidden track mentioned in the liner notes is, as Teemu guessed, not included here. I usually say that MYTHOS are during their "Moulded In Clay" – and "Pain Amplifier" – days a Death Metal version of IMPALED NAZARENE. Teemu didn’t disagree in the interview and even mentioned a BELIAL – likeness as well, simply because Jukka Valppu (guitars) played in BELIAL and in the pre – IMPALED NAZARENE band MUTILATION before founding MYTHOS together with Teemu Hautaniemi (drums). Offered here we have totally blasting Death Metal, but, and that’s unusual for those blasting Death Metal bands, with a helluva lot of variation. Each song has its own mood and flair and especially the drums are an important factor here. Teemu is an outstanding drummer and in my humble opinion was that already back then, even so he might disagree here. Where the CD had almost no cover, or, frankly speaking, a cheap one, the vinyl has a professional drawing in high quality on it. It’s great to see this album now in a layout the band (?) or at least Teemu is happy with. As I don’t have my original CD-version at hand right now, I’m not sure if the CD-version included the lyrics, I think they weren’t printed in the booklet and therefore are offered here on this vinyl for the first time (if I remember correct with the CD-booklet…). A difference to the 10" EP is that this LP includes liner notes which lacked on the 10" EP. I always enjoy liner notes on re-releases and those offered here in form of a story about the band activities around the time of the recording of this album are really interesting. I think it was a great idea to have Teemu involved in the making of this re-release. As he’s a very good storyteller can be recognized on the MYTHOS interview in the interview section and his notes on the inlet sheet are damn interesting. Though musically not differing to the CD-version I can highly recommend this outstanding killer album to every dedicated Death Metal fan as you don’t find outstanding songs as ‘In Veiled Language’, ‘Verses In Fire’ or ‘Unreal Moon’ on each 2nd album. In my words I can say that "Pain Amplifier" is a goddamn Death Metal classic which came a little late in those days of 1995 when Death Metal was trendy and Black Metal was cool! This album withstood the test of time, definitely! Now in 2010 every one can pick this jewel in vinyl form and figure out how great this album was and still is. Everyone? Well, everyone of those lucky 500 persons who are fast enough to grab it before it is sold out! Perhaps Nuclear Winter Records should consider a re-release on CD, too, as I’m not sure if the original CD-version is still available. With this layout and such a great music on it I won’t complain one single moment either. Check out www.nuclearwinterrecords.com for ordering details.

Thomas Ehrmann

Thomas Ehrmann

MYTHOS
Pain Amplifier
(Vic Records)
38:04min

MYTHOS from Finland was formed back in the era of 1992 and split-up by 2000. Featuring former BELIAL guitarist Jukka Valppu, MYTHOS burst onto the scene almost out of nowhere with “Moulded In Clay”, one of the meanest demos in Death Metal history in 1993. By 1995 MYTHOS managed to capture their unadulterated and shredding monstrous sound on a disc once more and their debut full-length “Pain Amplifier” saw the light. Now considered a classic, this disc contains Finnish Death Metal of the highest calibre. That means unusually low-tuned guitars, a bass-heavy mix and a pumping drum charge, matched by top-notch songs and musicianship. Although these Finns got numerous queries on their BELIAL / IMPALED NAZARENE comparisons and connections, however, in contrast to the Nazarenes, their approach is a bit more diverse. As, Mikko Laurila’s vocals sound almost as if he vomited them forth, and considering the ultra-brutal nature of the whole thing the music is tight and surprisingly catchy. That can bring to mind the “Wisdom Of Darkness” era BELIAL, but differs by resonating mirk of the guitars with possessing melodies and driving riffs, with old school brutal drumming consistency by Teemu Hautaniemi, without blast beats or extravagant techniques. No wonder, why this record is getting this well-deserved re-release by revered Vic Records, after almost 30 years of its original release. Out of the 11 tracks on this release, ‘In Veiled Language’ (True Version) and ‘Verses In The Fire’ (Heavy Version) should entice anyone for a quick check. No matter how, the deadliness of ‘Hung On The Wings’, evil mood of ‘The Pain Amplifier’, stand out catchiness of ‘Unreal Moon’, with an amazing solo from Valppu midway through, and the ending with an awesome cover of the CARCASS classic ‘Reek Of Putrefaction’ shall make this blazing affair a memorable trip down to the murkiest legacy of Finnish extremity. Although short-lived and the only full-length from this band, with “Pain Amplifier” MYTHOS was able to stamp their names and all things considered this is a fitting monument of Death Metal antiquity. This new re-release comes with special liner notes by Luxi Lathinen (journalist for the Metal Crypt since 1999) and a new booklet design. So, track down “Pain Amplifier” before it’s gone again, turn the volume up until your ears are bowed by aural assault and pay homages to MYTHOS. To find out more about the release, visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063485232579

Randolph Whateley

Randolph Whateley

Related reviews / interviews:
MYTHOS - Interview (Thomas Ehrmann)

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