MISANTHROPHI
MISANTHROPHI “Principles of Cosmicism and Decimation”
By Dr. Abner Mality
With the recent resurgence of death metal, it seems that the melodic style as pioneered in Gothenburg has been somewhat left by the wayside. Primitive and cavernous death metal, the chainsaw sound of Stockholm-centric HM-2, even the ripping Floridian style...all of those have been paid due diligence by newer bands. But what of melodic death metal in the vein of very early IN FLAMES, DARK TRANQUILITY and the like? Any good new stuff in this oeuvre being created?
Yes, there is. Here comes MISANTHROPHI from the unlikely location of Mexico. These guys have very firmly put themselves in Gothenburg style here and it’s refreshing to hear. They are no slouches at that game, either...this record is full of speedy but very tuneful death metal full of sharp guitar melodies, shredding solos and harsh but comprehensible vocals. So if you’re looking for easy stuff like SANGUISUGABOGG or FROZEN SOUL, move along, little dogie. Although MISANTHROPHI also avoid the pitfall of being too technical. The song is always the primary focus, not the playing (though that is top notch,too).
As might be gathered from the wordy album title, the band delves into astrophysics and the mathematical chaos of the void. Not the usual run-down of Cthulhu and Yog-Sothoth. So the lyrical focus is also beyond the typical.
Best tracks here are the thrash-influenced “Born Corrupted”, the crunchy “Kingdom of Phantoms” and my pick for #1, “Beyond Our Insignificance”, which is a beautifully flowing song. Yes, I will always love the rotten mayhem of ugly death metal, but MISANTHROPHI prove that there is also power in the more melodic side of the equation.