Impaled Nazarene is a Black Metal band formed in 1990 in Finland by vocalist Mika Luttinen. This album, Pro Patria Finlandia, is their ninth studio album. If you know Impaled Nazarene, you will probably know what to expect, a brutal mix of Black Metal, Speed Metal, and Grindcore.
For me, when i listen to this album there is really only one thing i can think of to describe it and that is the end of the world. This album is so fast, so heavy, and so chaotic you might not realize what's going on. There is one way of drumming on this album and one way only......BLAST BEATS. The drummer's name is Reima Kellokoski and he just doesnt stop on this album. Now that you know that this whole album is fast as hell, you probably know what to expect from the guitarists. The guitarists, Tuomo Louhio and Jarno Anttila, tear this album up with extremely fast and melodic riffs and some brutal tremelo picking. As for the bass on this album, you can't really hear it which is really the common thing in Black Metal. It is audible at times, but overall its basically non-existent.
The vocals on this album are extremely well done. Mika does the Black Metal style, but its more of a low pitched shout than a raspy scream. Over the years his vocals have changed and on this album they've changed for the better. On songs like Weapons to Tame a Land and I Wage War he shows he can be versatile and hit some high screams and on songs like Something Sinister and For Those Who Have Fallen he shows off more of a Death Metal growl for some parts.
Lyrically this album, and the band in general, show off a lot of dark humor. Songs like Something Sinister, Goat Sodomy, Contempt, and a couple others should not be taken seriously. Other songs such as One Dead Nation Under Dead God and For Those Who Have Fallen are more about serious topics like war. Even though this band can be serious at times, they are very humorous throughout this album.
If you're someone who takes listening to Black Metal very seriously and have no sense of humor, you're definitely going to want to stay away from this one. On the other hand, if you're someone who wants a little bit of a change from the serious side of Black Metal and wants something that is humorous, but can be serious at times, i would say get this album. Overall this album is excellent there's not really any problem with it except lack of variety throughout.
Recommended Tracks:
Weapons to Tame a Land
Goat Sodomy
One Dead Nation Under Dead God
Kut
Contempt
I Wage War
