UMUR
"Visio Dei Beatifica" is the first demo recording by Finnish thrash metal act Phlegethon. The demo was independently released in October 1989 (originally limited to 100 cassette tape copies). Featuring six tracks (one is a short intro) and a total playing time of 32:16 it´s almost a full-length album release. Phlegethon formed in 1988 and released two demos and an EP during their original run until they disbanded in 1992. They shortly reunited in 1995 and again after a longer hiatus in 2006. The material from "Visio Dei Beatifica" is included on the January 2010 "Drifting in the Crypt" (Xtreem Music) compilation album.
What makes Phlegethon special other than their music, is that they are one of the seminal proto-death metal acts from Finland along with artists like Sacred Crucifix and A.R.G. None of them played pure death metal during their orginal late 80s/early 90s runs, but they played a raw, aggressive, and brutal type of thrash metal which greatly influenced the then burgeoning Finnish death metal scene. The most fast-paced and aggressive Slayer is an obvious influence, and I´d say this demo even rivals the US legends in terms of pace and aggression.
Listening to "Visio Dei Beatifica" it´s certainly understandable why young Finnish soon-to-be death metal heads found this demo greatly inspiring, because this is a furiously fast-paced, relentlessly intense and aggressive, brutal sounding thrash metal demo. I´d go as far as to call it death/thrash metal or at least something very close to it. Phlegethon lower the pace slightly a couple of times during the demo, but other than that, it´s full speed ahead caustic aggression. Phlegethon are incredibly well playing considering their young age, and lead vocalist/guitarist (and on this demo also bassist) Teemu Hannonen has a raw rabid dog snarling vocal style, which is both passionate and convincing. I have to mention drummer Lasse Pyykkö too, for his powerful, organic, and inventive drumming, which drives the music forward with great strength and conviction.
The songwriting is sharp and effective, but not simple. "Those That Are Sent Forth" is a 6:41 minutes long track, which features quite a few sections, and the 9:56 minutes long "Encapsulation of the Ark of the Covenant" is an almost progressive structured thrash metal track, featuring many different sections, tempo changes, lead guitar work (which is the least impressive feature on the demo), and it perfectly shows that Phlegethon isn´t a one-trick pony.
"Visio Dei Beatifica" features a well sounding production job. You can hear every instrument and vocal part in the mix, and there´s the right sharp razor tone to the guitars. The drums feature a great organic sound, and while the vocals are at times placed maybe a bit too low in the mix, it´s details, and considering that "Visio Dei Beatifica" is a 1989 debut demo from a Finnish band, it´s simply nothing short of amazing. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.