Given the amorphous nature that plenty styles in extreme metal can adopt, it’s no surprise that we’re still able to find plenty of bands and artists doing their own thing. Whether it’s in the pursuit of trying new sounds for the simple sake of something new or seeing how you can push yourself into other aural realms, there are plenty of names out there that seeking to make their mark known in some form or another. Despite having just one album to call its own, the potential of Miasmata was and is still vast given the pedigree of its talented mastermind. Now, four years since the name’s first outing, Miasmata shows us just how far it has already come.

Growth is always an important part in any artist’s journey, and it demands to be made clear that not everybody’s journey is a straight line upwards given everything that can happen in life, missteps in the creative process; anything can cause things to go awry. Miasmata showcased a great understanding of its own personal brand of black metal in its debut album, and time could only tell where the name would take its sound next with no guarantee of anything. That being said, what’s been accomplished throughout the 39-minute runtime of “Subterrania” is nothing short of a wild improvement upon what was an already impressive sound. A concept album that of a people trapped underground that are driven to desperate action for salvation fueled by their own myths and legends, “Subterrania” is a singularly enthralling piece. Overflowing with melody and a tremendous sense of scale that propels its own story and delivers unto the listener a cascading sense of euphoria that just keeps on giving in one track after another. By the end of its nearly 14-minute finale, you realize just how captivating “Subterrania” is in damn near every form. We’re constantly inundated with a bewildering understanding of what melodic black metal can become here with more than a few cues from the realms of heavy metal to make this record not just another drop in the bucket, but, rather, a sprawling effort that shot for the stars in order to deliver something that stands firm on its own two legs. In no small form, Miasmata does that in tremendous fashion throughout the entirety of “Subterrania”.

Did I have doubts about the power, creativity, imagination, and talent behind Miasmata before diving into this record? Absolutely not. The pedigree of the mastermind speaks to itself, but I certainly not see this sensational effort coming. Miasmata makes it clear throughout “Subterrania” that it’s not afraid to try new things, go against the grain, and truly dig deep in order to deliver an experience that’s as invigorating as it is satisfying.

“Subterrania” releases on October 31st via Naturmacht Productions!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Subterrania” on Bandcamp here.

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