Oranssi Pazuzu has quickly established itself as standout band in extreme metal. Their debut Muukalainen Puhuu was easily one of the most interesting and imaginative recordings of 2009. A black metal foundation was fused with everything from psychedelic rock to reggae-like grooves all wrapped up in a deep space theme; the type of unfathomable concoction that only the Finns seem to come up with. A solid showing on a split with Candy Cane further boosted Orannsi Pazuzu’s stock. The Finnish band’s sophomore release, Kosmonument confirms that this is a band to be reckoned with.

Kosmonument continues with the basic formula established on Muukalainen Puhuu: quirky black metal with a heavy dose of early psychedelic rock (think Pink Floyd circa Saucerfull of Secrets and Ummagumma). Yet that only part of what is going on here. In addition to the jangly psych-black, there a number of ominous stretches of gusting dissonant riffage. Like nihilistic winds, the riffs burn the listener with icy cold howls. The first half of “Uusi olento nousee” for example, is absolutely scathing. There are also many post-rock elements, like the looping intro to “Andromeda” and the intense build ups in “Loputon tuntematon”.

Throughout, Orannsi Pazuzu balances their progressive and their poppy sides. Catchy hooks are balanced with twisted progressions to create magical, colorful soundscapes.  The musicianship is clean but loose and the rhythm section is as funky as you can find within black metal. Jun-His’s dry, raspy vocals provides a commanding presence that centers the far out songwriting.

Unfortunately, some of the expirmentation is to Orannsi Pazuzu’s detriment. The ambient pieces don’t add much to the recording. “Siirtorata 100 10100” is an OK interlude, but the nine minute piece of white noise that closes Kosmonument weakens the entire recording. Yes, the connection between faceless wails from deep space fits the album’s theme, but does anyone really think these white noise tracks work anymore? While there is the odd black metal band (i.e. Velvet Cacoon) who know how to use white noise effectively, for the most part it amounts to mere filler. That is the case here. “Infinity” makes for an innocuous and disappointing ending to an otherwise stellar recording. 

Nonetheless, the bulk of this album is quite a treat. While the majority of what is qualified as psychedelic black metal is full of tired clichés, Kosmonument is loaded with sounds that you have never heard before. Entertaining enough to stick in your head after one listen but complex enough to warrant a 15th listen, Kosmonument settles Oranssi Pazuzu’s status as one of the front runners in experimental extreme metal.

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Written by Jael

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