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Several years ago, I witnessed a legendary concert by Karjalan Sissit. I had been a fan for years and I couldn't wait to see them live. This concert, in CC Luchtbal (Antwerp - BE), was chaotic, full of technical issues and mayhem. It lasted for about fifteen minutes and some audience members were pissed off that the band couldn't continue. As a result, that person started arguing with Markus Pesonen to the point that they almost started beating each other's brains out. The gig went straight into my 'all-time-favourites'. I loved every single second of it.
Heartwrenching darkness and total resentment have always been the pillars of Karjalan Sissit and they still are today. ...Want You Dead is not an album for the meek. This is nothing less than a highly convincing alternative to depressive black metal, just like Author & Punisher is a perfect alternative for doom metal. The atmoshpere is similar, the anger and despair are equally present and the crushing heaviness is as intense as the 'true', guitar-driven versions. The fact that they don't use the same instruments, doesn't change anything, this is pissed off brutality at its best.
Not everyone is able to enjoy this kind of music. But once again, this forceful blend of dark ambient and industrial noise wipes away all competition. Where 'Kantapaa Lapiossa' is an almost gentle omen of what's to come, 'Vittumainen Yksinaisyys' grabs you by the throat and drags you down into the vile, putrid world this trio has created. Even if you don't understand their language, like me, it's not difficult to imagine what the songs are about. Alcoholism, violence, society and mental health problems are returning issues in their oeuvre and often screamed out with an near-deadly intensity.
The unparalleled use of orchestral arrangements, power electronics and punishing percussion have always made Karjalan Sissit stand out in the underground scene and on this album they clearly prove they have mastered the art. ...Want You Dead encorporates the exact same elements that the band has used since their inception, making it impossible to mistake this for any other band. If you have ever heard one of their songs, you'll know who this is and what they stand for. Off course, the distinct vocal lines of Pesonen truly help in creating this unique sound.
'1974', my birth year, is another dark, creeping ambient track that predicts more malice. And again they deliver. 'Lapi Elaman Helvetin' is as painful, brutal and destructive as projectile vomiting, making it the perfect Karjalan Sissit track. 'Sairaus, Katkeruus, Kuolema' can be seen as a breather, but the track is only here to announce even more filth. Different to their previous work, there's no joyous interlude, nor a happy ending.
Now, for people who don't know a lot about pissed-off music, this review might sound a bit negative. However, I can honestly say that ...Want You Dead is Karjalan Sissit at its best, a stunning example of what these guys are capable of. Not that they give a shit what I think about this album by the way. This is Karjalan fucking Sissit and you better get fucking used to it.
Serge
Heartwrenching darkness and total resentment have always been the pillars of Karjalan Sissit and they still are today. ...Want You Dead is not an album for the meek. This is nothing less than a highly convincing alternative to depressive black metal, just like Author & Punisher is a perfect alternative for doom metal. The atmoshpere is similar, the anger and despair are equally present and the crushing heaviness is as intense as the 'true', guitar-driven versions. The fact that they don't use the same instruments, doesn't change anything, this is pissed off brutality at its best.
Not everyone is able to enjoy this kind of music. But once again, this forceful blend of dark ambient and industrial noise wipes away all competition. Where 'Kantapaa Lapiossa' is an almost gentle omen of what's to come, 'Vittumainen Yksinaisyys' grabs you by the throat and drags you down into the vile, putrid world this trio has created. Even if you don't understand their language, like me, it's not difficult to imagine what the songs are about. Alcoholism, violence, society and mental health problems are returning issues in their oeuvre and often screamed out with an near-deadly intensity.
The unparalleled use of orchestral arrangements, power electronics and punishing percussion have always made Karjalan Sissit stand out in the underground scene and on this album they clearly prove they have mastered the art. ...Want You Dead encorporates the exact same elements that the band has used since their inception, making it impossible to mistake this for any other band. If you have ever heard one of their songs, you'll know who this is and what they stand for. Off course, the distinct vocal lines of Pesonen truly help in creating this unique sound.
'1974', my birth year, is another dark, creeping ambient track that predicts more malice. And again they deliver. 'Lapi Elaman Helvetin' is as painful, brutal and destructive as projectile vomiting, making it the perfect Karjalan Sissit track. 'Sairaus, Katkeruus, Kuolema' can be seen as a breather, but the track is only here to announce even more filth. Different to their previous work, there's no joyous interlude, nor a happy ending.
Now, for people who don't know a lot about pissed-off music, this review might sound a bit negative. However, I can honestly say that ...Want You Dead is Karjalan Sissit at its best, a stunning example of what these guys are capable of. Not that they give a shit what I think about this album by the way. This is Karjalan fucking Sissit and you better get fucking used to it.
Serge
