Info
- Band(s): Ruttokosmos
- Label(s): Werewolf Records
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: December 31, 2024
- Author(s): FelixS
Ruttokosmos might well be one of the most obscure acts from the deepest forests of the Finnish Black Metal scene. Although never officially disbanded, after only having recorded two demos in 2006 an 2007, the band seemingly laid dormant for a very long time. The Werewolf Records-released ‘Kärsimys’-compilation from 2021 was already a surprise, but this unannounced full-length album was even more surprising.
Although it is not really clear when exactly ‘Apoteoosi’ was recorded it is a fair assumption that quite some time has passed since the inception of the band’s first two demos. Yet, frankly, considering the time gap between these recordings the music has remained largely untouched. Meaning that ‘Apoteoosi’ is another exercise in slow and ice cold Black Metal, something that could easily be filed under “Depressive Suicidal Black Metal”. The two great demos felt like Finnish counterparts of the early and bleak works of bands like Xasthur and Leviathan, and that still very much is the case.
While keeping some of the more standard Finnish Black Metal elements in place, like the melancholic and sharp riffing, Ruttokosmos is clearly keeping other sources of inspiration close to their collective hearts. Both of the earlier demos were quite gritty in nature and even convey some sort of oppressive atmosphere, ‘Apoteoosi’ sounds a bit clearer giving more way to the cold and razor-like riffs. But not just only those riffs, there is also a much stronger sense of melodicism in these tracks. On the older tracks the emphasis was put way more on a strong haunting and melancholic atmosphere, this long-awaited debut seems to have found a bit of a more balanced sound. The tipping point between melancholy and melody has meticulously been crafted.
With almost two decades in the making, or at least it must have been circling in the back of the minds of the responsible musicians, this debut album has brought exactly what could have been expected. The rawness of the music, the gloomy nature… To me it leaves a strong nostalgic, even wistful mood. ‘Apoteoosi’ brings back memories of a time that is now lost. None of the bands from those thriving early to mid-00’s Depressive/Suicidal Black Metal bands are still around or doing what they did back then.
Time withers everything, dreams and ideals turn to ash until the last echo of your existence dies away. The title of this album hints that we are dealing with the band’s final piece, so wallow in an embracing and stifling darkness one last time.
