Mefisto – Phosphorus
Mefisto – Phosphorus
GMR Music Group
Release Date: 13/07/22
Running Time: 49:21
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
Not so much a group as a supergroup, the roots of Mefisto stretch back to the earliest days of the Swedish Death Metal scene. Formed in Stockholm in 1984, the band were closely behind Bathory in the influential scene. After two demos, the band disbanded, their cassette only releases obtaining cult status, especially after being released again in 1999, and then again in 2015, firstly on CD, and then vinyl. 2017 saw the release of the band’s first album, a self-titled release including drummer Robban handling vocals, guitarist Mogge also covering bass, and with the late LG Petrov adding guest vocals. In 2019 the band moved to a more cohesive line-up with the arrival of Chaq Mol (Dark Funeral) to add guitar work on two songs, which resulted in the release of “Octagram.” The latest line-up earns the band the label supergroup, with A. Impaler (Firespawn, Naflfar), Chris Barkensjö (Lik, Witchery) and Carl Westholm (Candlemass, Avatarium) now firmly part of the group.
“Phospherous” was written and recorded during the pandemic, with the finalised versions concluding almost 12 months ago. It’s evident from the opening track ‘Demigod’ where Mefisto’s origins lie, and the ten-track release wears its roots on its sleeve with pride. Guttural vocals, savage riffs and driving rhythms are all up front, but the band have added some surprising melody, and the use of organ, theremin, and choral parts have massively fleshed out the sound.
Each track sticks to the blueprint, yet each song also throws something different into the mix. ‘The Blasphemous Souls’ is pure Melodic Death Metal, with some of the most harrowing screams you’ll hear, yet has one of the most melodic breakdowns which wouldn’t be out of place on an Iron Maiden album. It’s this unorthodox change of tempo that makes Mefisto such an intriguing and enjoyable band to explore.
The opening salvo that fires out with ‘Demigod’ isn’t unexpected; there is a level of anticipated ferocity, but the harmonics on the vocals brings a new dimension. There’s a definite LG Petrov feel to ‘The Book of Death,’ a track that would have suited the much-missed vocalist like a sharp suit.
Most songs are around the five-minute mark, but there are two longer pieces that stand as central pillars on the album. The gargantuan ‘The Blasphemous Souls’ is a piledriving thrasher, and the longest track on the release at 7:41. The other is the demonic ‘Through Purgatory Flames’, which begins with a measured intro and a darkened atmosphere before unravelling a sprawling, semi-gothic track that simmers rather than boils for most of the song.
“Phospherous” is a gritty, gnarled, and angry release. The vocals won’t be everyone’s choice, for Granath is a little one dimensional, but they fit the band’s sound overall, and if you like your Death Metal with dirt under the fingernails then this may be one for you to check out.
“Phosphorus” Official Album Playthrough
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Demigod
02. Book Of Death
03. Blades Of Lucifer
04. The Blasphemous Souls
05. Slaughter Of The Sacred
06. Through Purgatory Flames
07. Evocating The Necromancer
08. The End Of All Light
09. In Umbra Mortis
10. Hellhounds
LINE-UP:
Robert Granath – Vocals
Morgan Myhrberg – Rhythm Guitar
Chaq Mol – Lead Guitar
A. Impaler – Bass
Chris Barkensjö – Drums
Carl Westholm – Keyboards, Theremin, Backing Vocals
LINKS:
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