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Lathspell > Reborn in Retaliation > Reviews
Lathspell - Reborn in Retaliation

Lathspell - Reborn in retaliation - 95%

Phuling, November 13th, 2009

Now this was quite a pleasant acquaintance to make as I can’t recall myself to have ever heard of the band nor label, but there was something innately interesting about this album with just a glance of the digipack. I can’t explain what it was; there was just something peculiar about it, luring me in, commanding me to place the CD in my stereo and pressing play. Upon my initial listen I was introduced to a mysterious journey of a magnitude I haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing for a long time.

Lathspell sounds somewhat typically Scandinavian, ranging from Norway’s Gorgoroth to Sweden’s Watain and latter Marduk efforts, with the eerie atmosphere of Ondskapt. All while still retaining the aggression of France’s Antaeus and a somewhat Australian grandeur to its blasphemy. I guess the list could go on and on with different comparisons, ‘cause "Reborn in retaliation" isn’t unique; but it’s still damn good.

They do an exceptionally good job at creating a chilling and haunting atmosphere just through the strings, no keyboard necessary. Fast forward about seven minutes into "Throne of blasphemy" and grace in the blackened light that is the freezing guitar riffing and the incredibly effective bass line that pops up every now and then (the same recipe finds its way into "Blövskog" as well). That, my friends, is mesmerizing in ways I haven’t heard in a long time. Just that little nuance in bass handling is truly atmospheric and effectual in drawing the listener in. And that is definitely a strong suit of Lathspell; their ability to create such atmospheric music. The riffing is constantly of a superior high quality that most bands of the style could only dream of. They never falter in proficiency, but almost set the standard for what others should attempt to follow. Now that might sound a little too high and mighty, given the fact that I’ve already said this isn’t anything unique. No, it isn’t, but in many ways I’d say these Finnish lads surpass their predecessors in constant quality.

The tracks are rather long, ranging from seven minutes to thirteen minutes. But even the longest of songs are executed with enough ferocity, variation and quality that you don’t want the tune to end. It doesn’t matter if they blast like crazy or slow it down, the superior riffing and harsh screams (in relatively low-key) along with the masterful drumming delivers black metal of a rare magnitude. Everything about the album, including artwork and such, reeks of blasphemy. And the production is clear and powerful while yet retaining that essential roughness to keep it from becoming too clean and digital. I’m in awe.

Originally written for http://www.mylastchapter.net