Sanansaattaja, the second full-length offering from Finnish death metal trio PANSSARITUHO, unleashes a barrage of audial brutality wrapped in the raw energy of oldschool death metal. With 10 tracks that traverse the realms of Deicide-inspired shredding, Bolt Thrower-esque midtempo crushing, and occasional forays into black metal and grindcore, the album explores a multifaceted musical landscape.
One of the standout tracks, '7.62', pays homage to the Finnish army rifle caliber, serving as a visceral ode to weaponry. This blend of thematic intensity and musical ferocity characterizes the album's essence. The lyrics, contributed by Macellarius, Extremus, and Invicto, delve into traditional death metal territories, addressing themes such as human folly, violent tendencies, war, lust, and the harrowing realities of the Finnish Winter War. These topics fuel the album's unapologetic aggression, transforming it into a cathartic outpouring of wrath.
In terms of production, Sanansaattaja is a testament to the band's DIY ethos. Self-recorded by PANSSARITUHO, the album benefits from the collaborative efforts of friends who handled the mixing and mastering. This hands-on approach lends the record a certain rawness and authenticity, amplifying its primal energy.
The album's artwork, a striking depiction of an ammunition pile soaked in blood-red hues, perfectly mirrors the lyrical content's intensity. The visual representation enhances the listener's experience, underscoring the album's unrelenting nature.
While Sanansaattaja succeeds in capturing the essence of classic death metal and exploring a variety of subgenres, it falls short of achieving true innovation. The influences from iconic bands like Deicide and Bolt Thrower are palpable, but at times, they overshadow PANSSARITUHO's distinct voice. There is a sense of familiarity that permeates the album, making it somewhat predictable for seasoned death metal enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Sanansaattaja is a good effort from PANSSARITUHO, offering a potent dose of aggression and musical dexterity. It showcases the band's ability to channel the spirit of oldschool death metal while infusing their unique blend of intensity. While it may not break new ground in the genre, the album's unbridled passion and raw authenticity make it a solid addition to any death metal aficionado's collection.
Listen to the album here: ▶︎ PANSSARITUHO - Sanansaattaja | Sliptrick Records (bandcamp.com)