FFrom the unfathomably excellent Finnish death metal scene there are many unique bands, one of the strangest is Lantern who really do stand out from the crowd. Their third album is out via Dark Descent Records. Thundering in with expansive riffs and crushing drums, the dark and otherworldly doom-tinged death metal sets off on a rivetingly abrasive track of dissonance and depravity. The production of the record is recognisably monolithic with a tempest of rampaging extremity unleashed from the very onset, this is going to be some superb material. Gruesome vocals join the restless and feverish riffing and blasting to create a ferocious flame of unearthly conjurations. Clearly Lantern intend on not only matching but exceeding the brilliance of their previous records, something that they have definitely achieved. Cosmic guitars lead us down charnel passages with a textured and dynamic drum performance amidst diverse vocals, from howls to grunts. Everything about this record feels volatile and unpredictable, moreover it all feels unique, like uncharted territory. Although this is inarguably death metal, the influence of black and doom metal is very strong, giving a discordant, atmospheric and devastatingly heavy flavour to the brutal onslaught. The lead melodies add a soulful touch to the grisly darkness of the record but do not feel out of place, only accentuating the macabre energies emanating from the bellowing rhythm sections. Aside from the claustrophobic darkness we see throughout the album, there is remarkable amount of groove to add a catchy side to things, though this is buried among layers of visceral attacks from the whole band. Lantern atomise everything they touch with this magnificently tumultuous assault, blasting forth a riveting and caustic blend of musical excellence. The thing about this album aside from the marvellous musicianship that feels most special is how creepy and unsettling every piece is. Every moment is either a total violation of the senses or lulls you into a false sense of security before the whole thing is destabilised and progresses into monstrous new grounds. A fantastically memorable and exciting release in the death metal underground that will certainly stand the test of time and do so alone as Lantern simply do not sound like any other existing band. Venture into their dimension if you dare, for it is a transformative experience filled with transcendental brutality and gorgeously morbid soundscapes. Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com
