Muknal - Muknal

Deep and murky, under a subterranean mass of cavernous evil and undeniable monstrosity, lies a cosmic ruin that has no been evoked for centuries, decrepit from time yet still prevailing with its sense of chaotic evil and most intricate delicacy. Beneath the crimson lights and stalking stalactites, the once dominant evil of cosmic horror starts to replenish itself to gradually rise from the stagnant, archaic walls that held it for over centuries. Sputters grow into explosions and the true face of this primordial evil grows less furtive with each blast, ultimately shattering the dormant cave the engulfs it, and thus bursting out with invidious hate, attempting to exterminate everything that lived above it your years and years. Muknal's debut Ep is not an archaic form of this indecipherable atrocity, but its a very vivid image of what it would be if it was ever provoked. A mere wave of this blasphemous obelisk is enough to solidify your blood, and its foul stench of resonant abyss makes it only worse.

The description above carries vivid semblance to Muknal's self titled Ep, and man, what a monster of a three track mini album this is. Muknal play bestial black/death, a style that is becoming a popular game in the metal underground, though it would be an unfair judgement to dub these guys as just blackened death metal, as their music is soaked in dense atmosphere and drowsy resonance, making it a much more twisted listen than usual. The atmosphere is thick and brooding, and there is a cosmic feeling in the music, constructed perfectly, forming a dense plate of resonance on top of the complex music to come from the very start. With ambiance issues done from the very beginning the chaotic riffs and other dazzling aspects fit in with ease and without hesitation. Basic influences must be pointed out, though, as this Ep doesn't show any spectacular level of originality during the writing process. Delicately arranged yes, but blatant tricks that flourish the Ep are an indicator of how its been influences by well known acts. I hear lots of bestial black metal, no different than master like Blasphemy, Proclamation or Archgoat and thick Incantation-esque tremolo patterns also seem to rule the crude openings of the Ep.

Once you put those influences aside, you'll still be left with pockets of intricate riffing and complex structures, linked together by the dismal force of astral atmosphere. Seriously, what war metal fan wouldn't fall for those vocals? Tormenting rasps of pure bestiality than merges with the music just seconds after its impact. Or the riffs? The terrific, droney blackened death/doom chugs or the blasphemous tremolo pickings that ignite, and burn as quickly as paper are obvious implications of the band's focus on the elaborately forged riffs. They're not multifarious or exceedingly technical, with with so much cosmic horror chasing you for seventeen minutes, who cares? Three tracks that provide ferocity, atmosphere and breath taking reverb is pretty much something that very few bands achieve these days. Each track is drenched in the same kind of foul resonance, but each is a different color, and with the occasional usage of synthesizers and other electronic devices thrusting into the music everything is already set up for you, all you have to do is to grab those headphones and listen. Seventeen minutes have scarce been this pleasing and horror laden. I dare you to get this, and if you're a war metal fan that you certainly will, but I can't promise whether you pants will stay dry or not.

Highlights:
Eidolon
Cruciation
Rotten Genesis


Rating: 88%