ULTHAR formed in 2014 and already released two albums in the past and this year we get not one, but two releases by this American band. They were formed by veterans of other bands and the style is rooted in some sort of technical Death Metal, but adorned with a few complex Black Metal touches, and why not, some evil progressive Metal too. This one, which I think is the first part of this duo (the other one is “Helionomicon” – Frank), is probably the most complex and technical one. Tons and tons of riffs, yet there is chaos in a controlled environment. The production values of this and the other album are obviously the same, I think that if they added more different essences it would make it more interesting. Yet as it is now, it is still a quite different type of release. Yes, it’s technical, methodical, almost mathematical, but it also does flow better than expected and that is probably caused by the experience of the musicians involved. Many tempo changes and the use of high and low vocals keep this interesting. The atmospheric parts are created entirely by guitar riffs, and a very good rhythm section, whereas the bass player plays a subtle yet important role. Comparing them to other bands is a hard task, as it is easy and complex to do at the same time. I can hear something not far away from IMMOLATION and some INCANTATION, but believe me when I tell you that some older REPULSION and even some old CARCASS are also in the mix. I must mention that the band has done the right thing with the production as it sounds powerful, clear and raw enough to avoid sounding sterile or too modern, a great move. This is the type of album that cannot be experienced by one listening session alone. It requires quite a few, and every time something new will pop out and thins start to fall in its place to understand that the band envisioned this to be experienced as a whole. I warn you that some more straight forward Metal fans will probably won’t get it at first, but under all that sickness there are deadly symphonies that discant the insalubrious ideas that these sick gentlemen are trying to create. Very interesting. Now let’s go to the next one… www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063748920083, www.facebook.com/20buckspin