Miseration – Black Miracles and Dark Wonders
Release Date: 22nd April 2022
Label: Massacre Records
Pre-Order/Pre-Save
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Technical Death Metal.
FFO: Scar Symmetry, Torchbearer, Soilwork.
Review By: Trina Julian Edwards
Swedish death metal duo, Miseration, have outdone themselves on their fourth studio album, Black Miracles And Dark Wonders. Although the band has previously utilized the talents of other members, Miseration’s current line-up is Christian Älvestam on lead and backing vocals with Jani Stefanovic on lead and rhythm guitars, bass, keyboards/fx, programming, and additional backing vocals. Black Miracles And Dark Wonders delivers Miseration’s characteristic technical, melodic death metal sound, focusing on themes such as gods and godlike creatures, myths, and stories inspired by ancient cultures.
Right out of the gate, The Seal Of The Eight-Pointed Star erupts into motion with a gritty groove and melodic leads that suggest the band hasn’t strayed too far from their melodeath roots. The brooding symphonic elements, specifically the string arrangements, and the juxtaposition of harsh vs. clean vocals in the chorus highlight essential qualities that come to fruition over the course of the album. Up next is Reign Of Fate, which is a definitive highlight of the album. The track slowly builds with ominous ambient sounds and demonic growls, followed by a lively string arrangement to accompany the chunky opening riff. The keyboards and the prominent cleans in the chorus almost tip it over into a progressive space, but it’s a nice contrast to the harsh vocals and the overall heaviness of the rhythm section. The double-bass action is particularly spicy and adds the needed weight to offset the lighter sections. Desecrate, Dominate, Eradicate explodes into existence with thunderous rhythm, and the opening hits with a bit of black metal atmosphere before dropping some vigorous little techy runs. The harmonizing cleans are pure melodeath, adding another layer to the generous mix of styles exhibited here. The colorful dynamics, instead of highlighting the separations, serve to weave the disparate parts into a cohesive whole.
Enuma Elish is another track that builds slowly – until the speedy tech death rhythms and leads snatch you and run away with you. The symphonic black metal vibes complement the staccato rhythm and animated vocals, providing additional depth to this standout track. Enuma Elish not only highlights the band’s skill in seamlessly melding genres, but also showcases the conscientious production. Fed By Fire/Led By Blood likewise begins more subtly, but by now, you know what’s coming after that ethereal intro. The pounding rhythm comes in fast and furious, letting up only briefly to usher in a ponderous riff and a nod to the atmospheric opening. Once again, the harmonizing cleans of the chorus speak to the band’s melodeath credibility without sacrificing heaviness. In Kingdoms Turned To Sand, ambient sounds usher in a dark, foreboding riff and a restrained rhythm. The cleans on the verse are unexpected, but add a nice, melodic touch to this portentous landscape. In a departure from previous tracks, Älvestam and Stefanovic demonstrate a number of different vocal styles that underscore the changing dynamics.
Shah’s creepy circus music-type intro sets the stage for the upcoming assault. The ferocious drumming and the hammering riffs are relentless in their intensity, not even restrained by the symphonic elements that underlie the piece. The final track, Connector Of The Nine Worlds, opens with slow, measured drumming and chanting. As we’ve seen in previous tracks, the rhythm comes in out of nowhere and takes no prisoners, until the drums and chanting make a brief return before settling back into an even faster tempo. The keyboards and other symphonic ingredients keep the track balanced and add some texture to the composition. Although a variety of death metal vocals are present, and even prevalent, in this track, the ear still seems drawn to the variations in the clean vocals.
Overall, Miseration has taken their sound to the next level by adding orchestral elements and utilizing a greater variety of vocal stylings. Although the ambient intros are a trifle overused, the orchestral arrangements that underpin each track add depth and character. The harsh vocals are consistent, while the cleans are done well and used judiciously. Despite the abundant competition, Miseration’s blend of death metal sub-genres retains its uniqueness. You won’t want to miss Black Miracles And Dark Wonders, out this Friday, April 22! 
(4 / 5)
