This Finnish four-piece prefers to refer to its sound as "heavy music." And if you interpret that as thrashy death metal with stellar riffage and a doom chaser, you're on the right path. I suppose "arty Slayer" is a better shorthand, except that these boys are both more technical and much heavier. And that's before addressing the occasional Viking elements.

Kaksonen Universumin Kuningas (self-released)

I prefer my metal to sample from a wide variety of styles, and Kasnonen absolutely does that. These are long songs (the album notes also call this "epic thrash," which is a new one for me) that swerve and crash through a broad range of sounds and emotions. And yes, the craft is exceptional. But I got the most excited when the songs really kicked in and the thrash riffage started barreling over everything in its path.

In quieter moments the sound is almost pristine. But it can get a bit muddy as more elements enter. That bit of mush helps to blend and keeps these songs warmly engaging. Such a deft hand at the knobs is always appreciated with an album as ambitious as this one.

This is the band's first album in more than ten years. I haven't been able to turn up any other the older stuff, but I have a feeling this set leaves that in the dust. Brutal power played with deft hands. Strap in and take your punishment.

Jon Worley