Heavy Metal Tribune

Pandemonium [Poland]
Misanthropy
2012
Full Length
Pagan Records
Black/Death Metal

Pandemonium's 2010 demo, the simply titled Promo 2010 managed to capture me with the rawness in the band's music that has managed to bring out the essence and energy of the fusion of black and death metal nicely, and despite it being only a short 2 track release, it left me craving for more. The hunger is finally satisfied this year, with the band releasing their fourth full length album, Misanthropy under Pagan Records.

The album opens with the two tracks that were present on Promo 2010, namely The Black Forest and God Delusion, and immediately the evolution in the band's musical style is noticeable, with both tracks having a markedly increased black metal sound compared to the original songs on the demo, with riffs that sound almost Norwegian black metal-inspired. God Delusion at times even sounds similar to later Watain stuff with the perfect fusion of aggression and melody, creating a desperate atmosphere in the music. In addition, compared to the raw production on Promo 2010, the production quality here is clearer, and this, together with the increased black metal edge brings about a new feel to the songs. While the originals had a more brutal touch to them, these two tracks on the album have a somewhat desperate appeal to them, and this, along with the rest of the album, sees the band exploring a somewhat more emotive side of the band's songwriting.

Unlike the brutality and in-your-face style that Promo 2010 provided with listeners, Pandemonium chooses to unleash their fury in a different style this time, with the emphasis on Misanthropy seemingly being on the atmospheric aspect of the music. Apart from the presence of the keyboards (courtesy of newest addition, Khorzon), for the most part, the music on Misanthropy progresses rather slowly, with the entire band working in unison to create as dense an atmosphere as possible on the album, and this is evident on longer tracks like Necro Judas and Only the Dead will See the End of War, where even the faster segments contain a somewhat broody air around them, with the latter bringing in some folk elements with what sounds like bagpipes at the background. Stones are Eternal even sees the band introducing a haunting guest female operatic vocals, easily sending a chill down one's spine. Closing track Misanthropy has the band reintroduce that same haunting female vocals once more, and the spoken samples at the background somehow remind me of that one IXXI track with spoken vocals, complete with the mood and atmosphere that made that track particularly memorable for me, and this provides a fitting close to the album.

Misanthropy also marks a growth in the individual band members' growth as musicians, with each and every instrument executed with precision and accuracy. Paul's vocals are tortured, and throughout the album the listener will hear him alternate between black metal shrieks and more death metal-leaning growls, leaving one to question his sanity at the end of the 40 minute journey. Apart from that, the guitars of Mark and Paul also really shine, with most songs containing a lead guitar line that serves as the driving force behind the music, backed by the big drum tones of drummer Szymon.

The increased black metal presence in Pandemonium's sound could easily alienate fans of the band's older material, but I for one, with black metal being my poison of choice, welcome this move. While Misanthropy doesn't particularly bring in anything new or innovative to the table, it is certainly an enjoyable album, with the many catchy moments that can easily hook one's attention instantaneously.

Related articles:
Album Review: Pandemonium - Promo 2010

Pandemonium on the internet:
Official website
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ReverbNation
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Pagan Records

©2012 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui