This is the debut full length from Finland's own Valoton. The group members prefer being anonymous, but these guys have been making music for quite some times, and it shows. Besides the full time musicians, session drummer Tuomo Latvala and guest vocalists Molestor Kadotus and Iki Horros brought their pipes to the soundtrack.
Beastificate actually caught me a bit by surprise. The first thing that struck me was its volume and sound production. This is top notch, and powerful, kick in the seating apparel black metal. I even decreased the volume of my CD player! Then, the musicianship and song writing abilities of these musicians is unquestionable. Yes, this is satanic black metal with a bit of a ritualistic edge popping up here and there, but most importantly, this is just good underground music. I believe Beastificate will appeal to a wide crowd of metal fans, not only the purely Satanist ones. The guitar work is excellent, whether you like juicy/crushing riffs, tremolo picking leads, melodic arpeggios and even some nice acoustic parts are to be heard. The lead vocals are harsh, wicked and a bit in the background. Add to this some clean female tones, deep growls and voice samplings to complete this area of their work. Then, you have a bit of animal (sheep, wolves)sounds, church bells, flames and keyboards; all contributing in the atmospheric side of their art. Of the nine tracks, the instrumental "Beatific Visions" (acoustic guitars, keyboards, sheep wolves) and the epic closer "Reborn in Flame" are getting my vote hands down.
Not to say that Beastificate is a masterpiece, but this is surely a solid black metal release from Finland.
Track listing:
1- Beastificate
2- Sancta Scientia
3- Jaws of Abaddon
4- Avatar
5- Musta Soihtu
6- Beatific Visions
7- First Ray from Satan's Sun
8- Cut the Chains of Flesh
9- Reborn in Flames
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