Of any of the Doom Metal records released this year, Terhen, a band from Finland, have released one of the best. Finland? Of course, Finland. That country seems to have some sort of cornered market on high quality Metal from all genres. Could be some sort of covert scientific experiment by the Finnish government to completely overtake the Metal scene in all corners of the globe…but I digress.
Terhen play a slow, dirge-filled Doom Metal with slight touches of Gothic flair. The use of low growls as opposed to clean vocals gives the record it’s dark, aggressive appeal. They’re the kind of vocals that get under your skin, in a good way, and begin to raise your blood pressure, again in a good way. In a way, they sort of energize the listener (in my case, anyway) and make one excited to be listening to it. Occasional appearances by a female vocalist only add to the atmosphere. Every other aspect of the album, sonically, is perfectly in step as well. The guitars are ungodly heavy, the keyboards add a funeral pyre air & the drums are just ambient enough without washing out. In other words, this record is HEAVY! Everything about it, every song, resonates gloom, despair & misery…5 songs totaling 53+ minutes of pure aural agony.
It simply doesn’t come any better. It’s not about breaking any new ground with Terhen, it’s about making the best Doom Metal the band can make. Fans of Shape Of Despair & Morgion take notice…Terhen needs to be on your list.
