CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist : Oranssi Pazuzu
Album : Muukalainen Puhuu (2009 Violent Journey)
Tracks : 8
Artist website : http://www.oranssipazuzu.com
OVERVIEW
This is the debut album of Finnish atmospheric black metal band Oranssi Pazuzu. I didn’t really know what to make of that description of the band until I started to listen. It was totally unlike what I had expected, with the exception of the cookie-monsteresque vocals.
I found the vocal department to be lacking. A lot. I felt as if I was listening to the growling attempts of a pre-pubescent boy. Maybe these boys need to find their cajones or get a member who can actually do the vocals justice.
This stuff was also way too ambient and not metal enough. It didn’t get heavy enough for my liking and what I was expecting.
Not a great first impression. I really hope that as the band matures that their sound will evolve in the right direction.
HIGHLIGHTS :
Myöhempien Aikojen Pyhien Teatterin Rukoilijasirkka, Dub Kuolleen Porton Muistoille
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Korppi
So, this is what atmospheric black metal sounds like. The vocals are just not deep enough. Super repetitive. Not a great opening track as it left a very weak first impression on me.
Track 2 – Danjon Nolla
More of what track 1 offered up. Now less impressed.
Track 3 – Kangastus 1968
Super mellow track. Almost avant-garde actually. It has a somewhat lively middle section. I really did not like this track at all.
Track 4 – Suuri Pää Taivaasta
The title means “The Big Head From The Sky/Heaven” This more of the same in terms of mellowness. However, it should also be noted that this track is a bit heavier than the others thus far.
Track 5 – Myöhempien Aikojen Pyhien Teatterin Rukoilijasirkka
Here we go! Blast beats! Not enough bass in the guitars. They’re super trebly. This is definitely a step in the right direction.
Track 6 – Dub Kuolleen Porton Muistoille
Cool track.
Track 7 – Muukalainen Puhuu
This is the title track which translates to “The Foreigner Is Speaking”. It is a three minute and forty-two second long ambient soundscape. No vocals. I won’t call it instrumental as it isn’t in any specific key. Just a bunch of ambient sounds.
Track 8 – Kerettiläinen Vuohi
I couldn’t get into this track.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
A huge thanks to the folks over at Violent Journey for sending in this album!