Demo 1997

Years ago Musta Surma released their first demo. Being recorded in 1997 it was finally released in 1998. Even though years have passed since then, the four tracks of the demo have lost nothing of their spirit and their atmosphere. Still I would say that there are hardly any bands that can or have written such great songs as Musta Surma did all those years ago.

To be frank: it is one of my favourite demos.

The reasons for my choice are very clear when you listen to the songs. They are good produced, especially for a Black Metal demo, have a tight atmosphere, are well played, have a great variety in them, are not monotonous and do not have drums that get on one’s nerves.

The mixture of elements is crucial for good songs and so fast parts follow slow parts, fast riff playing turns over into slower ones and even to some sort of a solo (Usvan Lapset). What stays at each track the same is the croaking voice of Thyrgrimmr. Furthermore should be mentioned that the production is good. Each instrument can be heard clearly, but sometimes the sound level of the guitars is to low and at some points there is the same problem with the vocals. Both points have no big influence on the music on the whole as they merely exist one or two times.

Musta Surma plays Black Metal in vein of the old Black Metal. There are no keyboards or synths in any way. Neither is there any female voice or something like that. This is raw music, grim, dark and cold. According to the band the influences for instance are Bathory and Darkthrone. So if you like their old music Musta Surma is definitely something you will like, too. The release has received very positive responses after being published and this was no big surprise as the level of the music presented on the tape is very high. The demo has been re-released on the Vihan Vuodet Split CD with Horna. This band should receive more attention…