Finnish dark elektro duo MISERIA ULTIMA returns in full force with their 4th studio album, "Arctic Esotericism". Aleksi Martikainen (vocals) and Kimmo Huhtala (synths) take us on an existential journey through the cold ethos and philosophy of the North, exploring the path from birth to death. The album's powerful opening track, "Displayed For Punishment," sets the tone with its harsh aggrotech sound, followed by the dissonant intensity of "In Murder" and the fast-paced, icy melodies of "Virtue and Desolation." The grief-laden "Thorns and Tragedy" showcases the duo's characteristic style.
MISERIA ULTIMA does not rest on their laurels but expands their sonic palette with deeper, sorrowful atmospheres and fiery cold melodies. Tracks like "Spiritual Nailbomb" with its desperate undertones, the mid-tempo, depressive "Storms of Atonement”, and the self-inflicting doom of "The Cruel Beauty of Reverence" highlight this evolution. This broader musical approach also allows for greater vocal diversity, evident in tracks like the disillusioned dark elektro "Sworn to control," the noir and ghostly "The Conjurer of Sorrow," and the radical elektro stomper "The Cynical Point."
"Arctic Esotericism" is a masterful blend of poignant melancholic atmospheres, sombre icy melodies, and frontal powerful elektro assaults, complemented by harsh, aggressive vocals. This album is sure to captivate fans of bands like AMDUSCIA, SUICIDE COMMANDO, C-LEKKTOR, ALIEN VAMPIRES, and early SKINNY PUPPY. MISERIA ULTIMA's latest release is a compelling addition to the dark elektro genre and a must-listen for enthusiasts.
Released mid September 2024 on Alfa Matrix.
Track Listing:
01 Displayed for Punishment
02 In Murder
03 Spiritual Nailbomb
04 Storms of Atonement
05 Thorns and Tragedy
06 The Cynical Point
07 Sworn to control
08 Virtue and Desolation
09 The Conjurer of Sorrow
10 The Cruel Beauty of Reverence
English