Little variety ruins an otherwise brilliant sound
Korea isn't exactly a country with a thriving metal culture, and I'm struggling to name another metal band to come from the country. But Mahatma, who proclaim themselves to be the heaviest heavy metal band from Korea, are fighting an uphill battle similar to that of Australian bands years ago, when our country had nothing but AC/DC to show for our metal scene. Perseverance is only the second album from the four metallers since their union in 1993, but this one has honest intentions. It's only a shame that honest intentions don't always create a great album.
The opening track on the album is a dark and atmospheric narration, setting the scene perfectly for what follows. Beginning Of The End is a mix of thrash influenced guitars that are rhythmic and diversely structured, backed by pounding, relentless drums and vocals that roar with influences from Venom and Gothernburg band At The Gates. The rest of the album follows the same formula making for little variety. The album grows tired after the first few songs, and the only thing particularly interesting further along are the crushing guitar intros and the occasional guitar solo to keep you barely awake.
Without any variety the album is slow and there is no reward in listening to it from start to finish. There is definitely potential in the making, especially given the bands origins, but the album doesn't live up to its influences, and bands such as Meshuggah are providing a better alternative.
(Listenable Records/Stomp Distribution)
