Tuesday, February 7, 2017

CD Review: THE MIST Phantasmagoria (Reissue) (Greyhaze Records) by Simon Brown

THE MIST
Phantasmagoria (Reissue)
Originally released in 1989
Greyhaze Records
Starting off with guitars at full pace, this well produced thrash album promptly wastes no time and goes straight for the jugular. Reminiscent of Possessed’s “Seven Churches” and “Hell Awaits” era Slayer, this album is a surprise package worth seeking out. All instruments are audible and there are no elements of over production. The vocals are rasped and the guitar solos are given ample space to rip through. Some solid bass work and drumming creates further interest. The lyrical themes are varied from UFO encounters (“Flying Saucers in the Sky”) to war (“Barbed Wire – Land At War”). This band shows there is still quality thrash coming out of Brazil. The only criticism I have of this album is the vocals could have a bit more variation thrown into the mix. In saying that, they are more than adequate for the style being performed and are reminiscent of Motorhead. There is also an influence of early death metal present in the riffing which is exactly what the listener would seek on a release such as this. What impresses me is the variation in composition which manages to avoid the usual clichés of thrash. This is evident on songs such as “A Step into the Dark” where clever counterpoint melody is utilized to lead into a solo. The title track also highlights the band’s strength in being able to vary their pace and still sound heavy. This 10-track release is highly recommended. Out now on Greyhaze Records. -Simon Brown

Track list:
1. Flying Saucers in the Sky
2. Smiles, Tears, and Chaos
3. A Step Into the Dark
4. The Enemy
5. Hate
6. Barbed Wire Land (At War)
7. Phantasmagoria
8. Lightning in the Dark
9. Like a Bad Song
10. Faces of Glass

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