Prying Sight of Imperception

Hailing from the Laitila region, Finland's capital of pig shit and Kukko beer, Death Metal trio Galvanizer are of a very rare breed these days, as they have devoted themselves to the old Finnish Death Metal sound in a way that no one else really does anymore. Every release has been exceptional so far, with their full-length debut Sanguine Vigil being their best work to date, and now we have their sophomore effort Prying Sight of Imperception, which shows them still quietly going on being one of the best Death Metal bands working out of Finland today.

Musically, this isn't too different from previous releases. This album sees the band still working in that grinding Finnish Death Metal akin to ancient acts like Xysma and Disgrace with a guitar tone straight out of Slumber of the Sullen Eyes and an unorthodox riffing style akin to Demilich. In other words, this band represents everything about the old Finnish Death Metal sound that separated it from its Swedish and American counterparts, and they do it just as well as the great bands of old did while they're at it. They even mix in some mid-paced stomping and striking melodies on tracks like "The Inexorable" and "Flesh Unknown" like Xysma did way back when they were still Metal, and it all comes together to make a sound so old-school it's basically revolutionary.

I've heard plenty of bands draw from the well of '90s Finnish Death Metal, but I can't name anyone who does it with this kind of dedication, and certainly not of this quality. If you wished the legendary acts of old kept it up after their defining moments, you'll be happy to know that Galvanizer decided to don their mantle with pride and continue to prove they are more than worthy of it. A must-have.