2/27/23:
Elektro darkening

Black metal was one of the first subgenres to really bring synths into the metal fold. Some early pioneers, like Mortiis, simply kept right on going into electronic and industrial music. In any case, between black metal and the cyber goth sounds of Fear Factory and plenty more, the evolution of metal has become less and less predictable over the last 30 years.



Miseria Ultima
In Colors of Void
(Alfa Matrix)


And so we get Miseria Ultima, a Finnish duo that consists of techno beats and black metal-style vocals. That's it. There's no subtlety or grand aspirations. Just club-ready elektro and a lot of hissing. By now, I'm guessing you figured out that it works awfully well.

The production sound is pristine. The synth riffage follows basic techno form; proto-industrial acts of the 80s wouldn't be surprised. But the vocal style is arresting. This sort of clean presentation of these influences isn't done much. And rarely is it done so well.

So, yeah, imagine Emperor-era Mortiis fronting Kraftwerk. Pushing the vocals slightly back in the mix. This is a very weird sound, but there's no denying its power. This might have a limited market (I'm terrible at predicting that sort of thing), but I won't be forgetting these earworms any time soon.

Jon Worley


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