Review Summary: Mitochondrion unleash another twisted labyrinth of dark riffs and textures
It's been thirteen long years since Mitochondrion blessed us with an album. With two well-acclaimed releases under their belt, brimming with atmosphere and dissonant hooks, the band has garnered a devout following in the extreme metal world. But after such a long hiatus, does the band still have the spark that made them so special? For the death metal aficionados, the answer is plain as day. With "Vitriseptome", Mitochondrion have unleashed yet another inhuman nightmare very much on par with their prior work.
Among this album's greatest strengths are vision and diligence. The band molds an unequivocal identity through track upon track of dark cosmic energy. They hold no reservations in delivering ideas, frightening as they may be. With the utmost dedication to their craft and technical ability, they come across as more than musicians, but rather as harbingers for some unspeakable prophecy. Take for instance "Flail, Faexregem!", an insane 11 minute long track which exhibits virtually every strength of the album. The guitar work is elevated OSDM riffage as Nick and Shawn frantically leap between tremolos, hammer-ons, pinch harmonics, divebombs, scrapes and dissonant chords, all while incorporating a variety of tones. Karl's drumming is fierce, yet delicately phrased, with blasts only served in warranted pockets. These elements come together with walls of layered vocals, morphing the music into a lurching monster of bellowing madness. While every track is fully realized and adds to "Vitriseptome" as a complete work, "Flail, Faexregem!" is the greatest embodiment of the whole.
Although Mitochondrion commit to their brand of death metal, this album isn't plagued by monotony. The melodic forays of "Argentum Mortifixion" and "The Erythapside" keep us on our toes, while not straying too far from the thematic path. Interludes are also scattered throughout, making the length more palatable and giving us a well-rounded listening experience. From the ominous passages of "(malascension)" all the way to the crushing and reeling riffs of "Antitonement", this record is an extremely dense and dynamic offering from a very capable artist.
While the size of this album may be daunting for some, it's very rewarding for those who are patient with it. Mitochondrion have risen again to boast their many talents, and proven time is no obstacle on their quest for sonic destruction. I would recommend this to anyone into dissonant death or black metal. Check this gem out!
