Sielunmessu is the debut full length release from Vitsaus. This act is a Finnish duo with Inho on vocals & guitar and Vainaja (drums, guitar and bass). Apparently, the band does have previous output; most likely EPs and demos.
You will find five compositions for a total playing time of 35 minutes. Most tracks last in the seven minutes range. Two musicians from Finland; dark cover art with an inverted cross…yes that's a black metal disc. The sound production is somewhat raw and the melodic level is also similar. The songs are repetitive and carry that hypnotic feel that goes with the longer black metal tunes. The guitar work is too often secluded to the back ground. Still, the tremolo picking leads and cleaner arpeggios are omnipresent, thus giving that melodic edge to their work. While the raspy vocals of Inho are a bit forced, they are kind of distant and ghostly, so they are not annoying. Even if the pace is generally fast, some calmer tempos are making for a breathing time once and a while. The middle track, "Ylösnousemus", offers what I would consider the band's best performance. It includes moderate paces with crunchy guitars; faster times and clean arpeggios, besides being the longest composition clocking in at eight minutes plus.
Even if Sielunmessu is no masterpiece, it has a nice black metal vibe from beginning to end.
Track listing:
1- Kuolleen Seurassa
2- Haudalla
3- Ylösnousemus
4- Kaste
5- Rekviemi