Mithras

Fusing a combative death metal attack with epic Lovecraftian songwriting and ambience, Mithras have delivered the yardstick by which all of 2007’s genre offerings will be measured. Opening with (and frequently punctuated by) spacious, soaring, clean interludes, the album segues into a somewhat awkwardly placed operatic vocal burst yet settles on a jackhammering death/grind offensive shortly thereafter. Layered meticulously over this vicious cacophony is some of the most haunting lead guitar playing ever laid to tape. Melodies creep over the listener like a vast fog of dread, punctuated only by the chaos of the surrounding metallic fury. Highly, highly recommended.