Misotheist – Vessels By Which The Devil Is Made Flesh

Written by on 17-03-2024 at 21:00.

Mr Kråbøl pours out his soul in the form of captivating, mesmerizing and fear-inducing Norwegian black metal. He does this in the band called Enevelde alongside M Hellem, but also, and more particularly by himself, in his solo project Misotheist. This talented man has consistently delivered excellent work, from the debut album Misotheist (2018) to the recent masterpiece For The Glory Of Your Redeemer (2021). Mr Kråbøl possesses the expertise and skill to set things ablaze with just a few guitar strokes, some simple hits on a snare drum, strumming the bass guitar, and most notably, with powerful, often deep throaty growls.

This time the good man wonders about the means through which we could bring lord Satan to life. It’s a legitimate question, perhaps one that doesn’t necessarily demand an answer, or does it? In my opinion, there is undoubtedly some darkness in everyone, more so in some than others. At least, that’s the interpretation I am going with when contemplating on the album title of this third release, featuring only three tracks but clocking in at nearly forty minutes of playtime.

We already knew about the shortest track on this album through the music video inserted above, delivered to us by Terratur Possessions, just like the music has been in the past as well. The title track is relatively short but immediately unleashes its innovative, slightly dissonant blastbeat, lifting the lid off Pandora’s box. The stench hits you right away. The themes that Mr Kråbøl conjures from his instruments remind me of the now-defunct Norwegian band Enthral, particularly the era when Mr Stian Aarstad (formerly of Dimmu Borgir) and especially Mr Kjetill Hektoen (currently active in Sjodogg) were calling the shots.

The opening and closing tracks Stigma and Whitewashed Tombs, however, leave an even more lasting impression and are of an outstanding, even excellent level. Stigma starts as described before, with simple guitar strokes pulling you straight into the deep abyss. The drums initially seem rather rudimentary and stirring but this works out remarkably well. Do pay special attention to the interaction with the gurgling and rumbling bass. As the twelve-minute track progresses, the bass seems to have the lead and directs the course of the song, especially around the ninth minute, just after a slippery lead guitar part, leading you into a magnificent final onslaught filled with delightful authentic underground melodies.

While Whitewashed Tombs tightens its grip on your throat for almost twenty minutes, you still have just enough air and awareness to marvel at the wondrous riff parts flying by. It already starts with the somewhat monotonous blast in the beginning. Unlike the opening track that saved the mesmerizing parts for the end, you get them right from the start. After a good ten minutes you might feel a bit lost in background noises. Fortunately this is temporary and only lasts until the strumming guitar guides you in one direction or another.

In short, I can only draw one conclusion: Mr Kråbøl once again leaves an incredible impression with this third full-length Vessels By Which The Devil Is Made Flesh by Misotheist. This is excellent black metal, and definitely a must-have.

Score:

90/100

Label:

Terratur Possessions, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Stigma
  2. Vessels By Which The Devil Is Made Flesh
  3. Whitewashed Tombs

Line-up:

  • B. Kråbøl – Vocals, all instruments

Link: