Swedish melodic Death / Black outfit SODOMISERY started in 2015 as a project from Harris Sopovic (ex – DIABOLICAL). Using session members, the band put out their first EP entitled “Sodomisery”. One year after that, the line-up was completed and their debut album “The Great Demise” came out in 2020. Recorded as a power trio after some minor changes in personnel, their latest output, 2023’s “Mazzaroth”, comes out under the German label Testimony Records again. This time, founder Harris has taken two roles as vocalist and the sole guitarist. His vocals display certain restrained aggression so to speak, that fit perfectly the style and overall atmosphere of the songs. Musically speaking, these songs do feature lots of well thought guitar harmonies and melodies, which intertwine nifty with the guitar riffs. Paul Viscolit contributes with clever bass lines which twist around the melodic guitar work but also cements the solid rhythm section. And then there’s Viktor Eklund’s detailed yet savage drum work, making sure the dynamics of each song are noted. He knows when to mercilessly pound his drums and when to back down for the songs to breathe. I think the performances on “Mazzaroth” are elegant and smart. There is also certain darkness and nostalgia, so to speak, looming over this album. I really can’t tell. Maybe I found some Black and Folk Metal nuances here and there. Anyway, moving on. The production is absolutely impressive. It is pristine and crushingly heavy at the same time. The mix is clear and powerful, positioning every instrument in its place and giving them the exposure they need when they need it. Now, maybe I am out of hand here, but for me, the album lacks grit and bite and most of all, intensity; it is too polished and flawless. But I know that “Mazzaroth” may very well put SODOMISERY in the major leagues. They have raised the bar really high for up and coming melodic Death Metal bands. Support the band at www.facebook.com/sodomiseryofficial and get their album from their label www.facebook.com/testimonyrecords