Mortal Sin - PsychologyOf Death

Sun 9th Oct, 2011 in Music Reviews

Aussie thrash icons Mortal Sin have been plying there trade for almost three decades now. A revolving door of band members has seen the band lose momentum at very important times in their career, however their latest beast of a record has the band creating what may go down as their best so far.

This is by far their best sounding album from a production perspective. It gives the band a deep evil sound that’s required and also the growls of Matt Maurer are clearer and resonate than ever. The experience that the band creates on this record is brilliant. Right from the outset we are treated to chunky yet understated riffs and then quickly introduced to blistering thrash beats. One of the reasons this album is so good is the fact that the band as used all their tricks and skills sparingly and in a way that has you begging for for more. The title track opener sets an ominous tone for the album to follow, lulling you into a false sense of security and then takes you on a angry yet measured journey of Thrash Metal. The album promises to provide the band once again with the break and recognition they long deserve.

The undeniable strengths of Mortal Sin are expressed in truckloads through their well place guitar solo’s to their typically catchy hooks and chorus’. In particular Paralysed and Burned Into Your Soul. It feels like the band has had the freedom to produce the album they wanted and they have. With the help of producer Darren Jenkins the sound is fresh yet classic. The recording is crisp, chunky and deep and harnesses the sounds created with great precision. Tracks like Deny and Hatred show of Maurer’s and the rest of the bands versatility through slight stylistic changes but overall this is an undeniable thrash metal album.

Once in a while you listen to an album that from the first listen you know its special. Maybe as the band say in their title track “I just have a chemically imbalanced brain”. I think many people will enjoy this album if its given a chance. It is as good any metal album that the big international boys would throw at us. It is Australian metal at its very best and should not be overlooked.