Vehemency
I’m not overly familiar with Verivala’s back catalogue, but this second album, Kalliolle, Kukkulalle, from last year stroke me like a lightning. Only the very symbolic cover art made the album enough interesting in my eyes, and the actual content turned out to be magnificent, too, although it took a few spins to show more of its greatness.
Despite the colourful painting in the cover, Verivala plays very menacing old school black metal with elements of thrash. Guitar riffs are in the highest role here: fast power chord riffs are fired violently with enough diversity, drummer backing up with perfect accuracy. At first listens the riffs didn’t seem that exceptional, but after a while I learned to respect them and realized how ingenious they are: a proof that interesting riffs and rhythms can still be created with such simple things as power chords. Mid-range, weird vocals spew their occult filth all around the record, and one of the few downsides of the album is that the CD version does not contain the lyrics printed. Yes, even for a native Finn the lyrics are pretty much incomprehensible. Apparently they want me to get the vinyl version, too, those wise businessmen...
The first seven tracks of Kalliolle, Kukkulalle go pretty much in the same vein of menacing, evil riffing and I see no point in listing any specific moments; but the last track ”Mahapralaja” is a definitive culmination of the album, lasting almost 8 minutes and being really worth of its name - it’s indeed a fitting soundtrack for the total annihilation of existence. Musically, Verivala gives more space to slower pace on this specific track, and it’s a perfect ending for a worthy album. I’d recommend this album for those who aren’t instantly afraid of not hearing anything excessively inventive, but are able to find pleasure in old school. One of my favourites from last year, and I’m pretty much on the verge of giving it a half star more, but only time will tell that.