Mithras,
a two-man outfit from England, execute an elite form of atmospheric brutality!
Behind the Shadows Lie Madness is their 3rd disc and consists of 12 tracks
and around 45 minutes of playtime. The concept behind Mithras is cosmic,
chaotic and mysterious. All of the music sounds like it was blanketed by
layers of flange (reverb) to make it sound alien from most other acts in
the underground death metal scene. Experimental is precise, but the term
doesn't begin to emphasize the maturity thrown in the mix. Where I believe
the term "experimental" comes into place is the soothing ambient
passages found throughout the disc. The guitar solos on the disc are absolutely
amazing! They're mostly melodic and super fast, but also distinct enough
to sorta characterize. The rhythms are equally technical with near Nile
or Morbid Angel-like heaviness. The damn drumwork on this album is as fast
as a speeding bullet and also very cohesive for the style of death metal.
The vocals pretty much sound like David Vincent, which is cool. If it's
possible, I believe Mithras have touched base with something like progressive,
ambient death metal. Very neat and beautiful sounding for something as brutal
as death metal. For those who have not heard them before, gather some of
their material. You won't be disappointed!
Rating: 91
Reviewed By: Thomas Mitchell |
