I I / Lihhamon – Miasmal Coronation (2017)

Closing off 2017 with one truly punishing and demoralizing release, today we have Ván Records unleashing “Miasmal Coronation”. In this split release, we are introduced to the pungent and piercing sound of German Black/Death Metal bands: II and Lihhamon. With each band unleashing around 15 minutes of ravaging music, you will be begging for mercy before the release is done.

The release kicks off with I I’s mysterious atmospheric opening in “Indoctrination of Deaths Command”, however, this atmospheric start is quickly replaced by pummeling riffs and crushing vocals. The band’s intensity is quite palpable, and their ravaging Black/Death Metal sound is instant evidence of this. The band continues their onslaught with brutal tracks like “Weltenfresser” and the incisive “Miasmal Execration”. With a buzz saw-like guitar sound, we particularly enjoy how massive their sound is. I I leaves on a more melodic tone with the superbly catchy “Vidargängr”.

Wasting no time, Lihhamon unleashes their pungent sound with “Zelot”. In this track we have a very chaotic and dissonant opening that leads into deranged old Deicide-esque vocals and old-school BM guitars. The band’s sound is quite raw and lo-fi, but with that timeless vibe to it that is hard to come by these days. The blistering drumming of “Inferno” perfectly accelerates some of the more ‘mellow’ sections of this very dense track.

As the split closes with the catchiness of “Chasma”, we are left with a pretty good impression of both I I and Lihhamon. Both German bands have a very thick and powerful sound that is hard to avoid, allowing them to embed themselves into your psyche. If you want something dense, raw, and pummeling, be sure to get “Miasmal Coronation”.

Label: Ván Records

Release: November 24th, 2017

Genre: Black/Death Metal

Country: Germany / Germany