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MASSACRE
Mythos EP

Nuclear Blast (2022)
Rating: 6.5/10

I have to admit that Massacre’s 2021 opus Resurgence – the first to feature Kam Lee on vocals since 1996’s Promise – was a tad underwhelming. Having said that, much of what Massacre has released since its inception has been rather average, yet their legend has preceded them in spite of the numerous line-up changes and altercations since the halcyon days of the mid-80s.

Mythos is the new EP by the combo, a four-track affair once again kneeling at the altar of author H.P. Lovecraft. It’s a relatively short EP at 15-minutes that makes me question as to why it was released – were these mere off-cuts from the last record? Even so, Massacre’s sound has certainly been bolstered by the addition of Rogga Johansson’s juggernaut guitar work, but the fact that Massacre now has three axe men says a lot of their intended savagery. However, the reality is that even with this tri-attack death metal the band still feels relatively standard in design.

There’s no arguing with its aggression and heaviness. We’ve become accustomed to Kam Lee’s snarls and on the opening track, ‘Behind The Serpent’s Curse’, his teaming up with Cadaver’s Anders Odden makes for quite an experience especially to the backdrop of Brynjar Helgetun’s hammering percussion and the devastating bass lines of Mike Borders.

‘The Dunwich Horror’ matches the belligerence of the opening track, racing hard and fast and foaming at the mouth. It is classic death metal circa mid-90s and ideal for sweaty summers in the Florida swamps. When the pace slows we get further terrifying tumult, but with the evolution of death metal Massacre seems somewhat left behind, and I’m not sure why?

As the awkwardly titled ‘The Mythos That Lovecraft Built’ comes grinding out of the blocks I don’t feel as if I’m being blown away, instead finding myself heading towards the far gloomier surroundings of Cerebral Rot and the likes who have taken death metal to new levels. And by the time ‘The Thing On The Doorstep’ grinds to a halt I’m neither here nor there with this recording.

Of course I’m appreciative of what it all stands for and the legend created, but Massacre has just never been one of my go to bands, and as the band has drifted through the decades – in whatever guise – I’ve lost interest yet feel ashamed at maybe not worshipping at their altar from day one. Mythos is a rock solid death metal release and I can’t really say anymore than that I’m afraid.

Neil Arnold

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