Dissection - Maha Kali
Self released
Melodic Death Metal
2 songs (12:07)
Release year: 2004
Dissection
Reviewed by Daniel
Major event

When thinking of the second wave of Black Metal, the big names immediately jump to mind: Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, Mayhem, Ulver, Immortal and of course, the mighty Swedes, Dissection.

Many years have passed since the glory days of the second wave of Black Metal, and most of the bands have ceased to exist (Emperor, Burzum, Immortal). Some others decided to do an extreme change in their musical direction (Ulver). Others continue to do what made them famous in the 90’s, but don’t seem able to live to the high standards they themselves established (Darkthrone). And there are bands I never really cared for (Mayhem) and that I don’t care for now.

Dissection, was one of the bands that had to call it quits in the peak of their career, and as you must know it wasn’t exactly a planned decision by the band. Some time after Dissection released their now classic album Storm of the Light's Bane (around 3 years if I’m not wrong), Jon Nödtveidt (Dissection’s main man) was arrested for murder and made serve time in prison.

So all of a sudden I find out that not only Nödtveidt has been released, but that he will continue with Dissection. I couldn’t be happier, I mean, all of the biggest bands of the early/mid 90’s where gone (or had lost quality), but all of a sudden Dissection was back, and ready to kick ass. Soon I would hear more of that amazing Death/Black that blew me away in the past, or at least that was what I thought.

Maha Kali is a self released album in which Dissection brings us one new song and a "new" version of their 1995 track Unhallowed.

While on my way to my stereo I’m thinking: “Better buckle up your seatbelts, because if this is like the Dissection I used to love, I’m in for one Hell of a ride”. People, I’m not lying when I write that this is one of the biggest musical disappointments in all my life. Where were all the amazing riffs gone? The speed? The sheer passion felt before? Where was Dissection?

Forget those killer riffs that made you headbang all alone in your bedroom, forget those awesome melodies that made your head spin, forget the Black Metal in Dissection. Instead off all those great things that made Dissection what they where, we find a mid/slow paced melodic Death Metal song. The song per se isn’t horrible, but considering Dissection’s high standards, this is weak weak weak. Some nice melodic riffs here and there, some good vocals, a totally unimpressive drumming and some oriental chants make of this, what I would like to call the (second) death of Dissection, rather than the “rebirth” of Dissection.

The second track of the album is an alternate version of Unhallowed, and in my opinion, it’s totally pointless. Why play a song, practically in the exact same way you did in the past? I mean, if the song had some important new elements I would understand, but an almost carbon copy of the song? Anyway, I like the production in the original a lot more, so, a total waste of time.

Maybe it is too early to speculate, specially considering that this is only one new song, but if their full-length is like this song, read my words: Dissection is dead.

Oh well, looks like the second wave Black Metal giants are all dead now. What to do…….

Killing Songs :
Daniel quoted no quote
Other albums by Dissection that we have reviewed:
Dissection - The Somberlain reviewed by Tony and quoted CLASSIC
Dissection - Storm of the Light's Bane reviewed by Crash and quoted CLASSIC
Dissection - Reinkaos reviewed by Alex and quoted 54 / 100
0 readers voted
Average:
 0
You did not vote yet.
Vote now

There are 16 replies to this review. Last one on Fri May 26, 2006 1:45 pm
View and Post comments