Review Summary: Black chasms with heavy riffs
Triptykon is the latest music "vehicle" of Tom Gabriel Fischer "Warrior". He doesn't need a big introduction, the swiss musician,pioneer of death metal who has given huge proof of his talent by producing legendary releases with his former bands, Hellhammer and Celtic Frost.
Triptykon is a quartet which follows the familiar paths of doom/death, that Fischer himself helped to pave and consists of: Thomas Gabriel Fischer Vocals, Guitars
V. Santura Guitars, Vocals
Vanja Å*lajh Bass
Norman Lonhard Drums, Percussion
"Melana chasmata" is their second release, following 2010's succesful debut, "Eparistera Daimones" and it comes as a natural sequence. As far as sound is concerned, we get the same haunting atmosphere and senses' excitement as the debut introduced. Musically, it remains on the doom/death genre, again with many prolonged doom songs ("Black snow", "Altar of deceit") , some faster moments ("Breathing") and the occasional mix with diversity and female vocals ("Boleskine house"). The doom elements are based on Sabbath and Trouble, while the more speedy aspects are reminiscent of Bolt Thrower and Sepultura. We also appraise some influences by Paradise Lost, Septic Flesh, but for sure, Thomas doesn't need much "homework" to deliver sth he is already so expertized with. The famous "ughs" are still here and his trademark growling vocals. Lyrically, his beloved thematology about religion, occultism, emotions, is present once again.
What differs a release from other thousands of similar attempts is the level of inspiration and musicianship and (if possible) the element of originality. Well, Thomas does pretty well for one more time, especially in the first 2 categories. His songs are majestically powerful, crashing riffs are setting the tone throughout the album. It grabs the listener from the neck and "obliges" him, first to listen, then to participate in this completed ceremony of doom and destruction. All instruments are well played and the production is more than satisfying for this kind of release. Another great artwork adds to an already accomplished album. As far as originality is concerned, we can't expect much in 2014, but still, Triptykon are not copying Celtic Frost for sure. It's no secret actually, that Fischer has always been a man of changes and progression.
What separates this from a full 5/5, is the unneeded (imo) extra length in some of the songs. If some compositions were a bit shorter, it would add to an even more solid result. Still, this is one of the greatest releases for 2014 so far. The experience that it provides to listeners who are not acquainted with Fischer's works is again musically challenging. Must have for doom/death fans and heavy metal collectors in general.
