Amurta - Revel in Perdition

Few people are likely to look back fondly on the COVID years, although the forced restrictions on movement undoubtedly fueled creativity in some ways. One example is the debut demo by Turku-based Amurta, released in late 2020 and completed during the pandemic itself. It took a full five years for the band’s second release to see the light of day: the three-track EP Revel in Perdition, which is now under review.

The band describes its music as melodic black metal with keyboards playing a central role. This is unusually accurate, as Amurta’s music would hardly feel complete without the prominent presence of synthesizers.

By black metal standards, Amurta’s music is light and even delicate. Despite this, it remains firmly within the genre rather than straying outside its boundaries, as some even more delicate examples do. Think of acts such as Alcest, which tends to flirt more openly with black metal, or the related genre of dark metal.

At its most aggressive, Amurta is pure-blooded black metal, complete with blast beats and snarling vocals, although the atmosphere is softened with a knowing wink towards heavy metal and progressive elements. The keyboards are key here, and depending on your taste, they will either be a blessing or a curse.

The three songs make for an enjoyable listen, although at this stage there is still a slight demo-like quality to them. The band’s own style is already beginning to take shape, but not yet in a way that would make it particularly striking or memorable. In terms of production, Revel in Perdition is perfectly adequate for a self-released effort.

This is certainly worth giving a chance, partly because the music already has a character of its own. At the time of writing, the band is working on its upcoming full-length release. Hopefully that distinctive character will remain intact, but with even tighter songwriting to back it up.

Track list:
1. Sinner's Descent
2. Sokushinbutsu
3. Verhottu

Links:
https://amurta.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/amurtaband
https://www.instagram.com/amurtabm/
https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Am%C5%ABrta/3540518516