XYSMA — Fata Morgana (review)

XYSMA — Fata Morgana album cover EP · 1991 · Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Fata Morgana" is an EP release by Finnish death metal/grindcore act Xysma. The EP was released through Seraphic Decay Records in late 1990. It´s the successor to the "Above the Mind of Morbidity" EP from earlier that same year. It´s a four track EP featuring three new original studio tracks and a March 1990 live recording of "Entangled in Shreds" from "Above the Mind of Morbidity".

"On the Hill of Desecration" opens the EP and it´s a great track showing a new more accessible and groove laden death metal direction (the song would end up in a re-recorded version on Xysma´s debut full-length studio album "Yeah!" (1991)). It still features all the morbidity, rawness, and brutality of early Xysma, but also manages to add some atmosphere courtesy of a few keyboard parts. "Entangled in Shreds" was a great death metal/grindcore track in the studio version, but this live version is certainly worth the price of admission too.

"Embodiment of Morbidity" is a pretty extreme deathgrind track and shows that Xysma weren´t yet done with being extreme, brutal, and filthy. The EP closes with the beautiful acoustic guitar/keyboard piece "Fata Morgana", which ensures that the EP is a varied listen. Just as the case was with the material on "Above the Mind of Morbidity" Xysma show some pretty creative songwriting skills and they also show that they understand what makes an effective death metal tune and overall release.

The studio tracks are well produced and feature a clear and detailed sounding production job. It´s almost too clear and professional, and while this was arguably the most professional sound production on any Xysma release up until then, the raw charm and unrelenting brutality of "Above the Mind of Morbidity" is slightly missed here. "Entangled in Shreds" features a well sounding live recording quality. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
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