Noitasapatti were formed in spring 2017 in Pori, Finland by Erakko (vocals), Liekkiö (guitars, keyboards), Mielivalta (guitars) and Rampa (bass), with drummer Rienaaja joining soon afterwards. They released their debut album, ‘Kuolemattomille maille’, in 2022 and have now returned with the second with a line-up of Erakko (vocals, bass, mouth harp, horns), Liekkiö (guitars), Häviö (drums) and Kadonnut (keyboards). There is no doubt their music brings in a lot of influences from classic 1990’s black metal, even Burum-like atmospherics, yet there are also some death, doom, progressive, Viking and additional elements which means there is always a great deal to explore within this as the band mix and move and even use piano as a main melodic instrument as opposed to the keyboards just providing some background swathes.

But and it is a big “but”, there is something going on within this which will polarise listeners quite deeply as Erakko’s vocal style is certainly unique. It is very high, almost screamed, and there is something about it which I personally find quite disturbing, and it reduces my enjoyment of what is obviously a very good band indeed. I prefer it when he drops into more death metal style growls, but there is not enough of that, the result being something which I cannot really take seriously. That is a real shame as the band are bringing together loads of different influences and styles in a way which is quite compelling and interesting as they layer the different melodies and counter melodies, but when he howls (their description, not mine, although it is very apt indeed) I just want to take him to a vet and have him put out of his misery as he is certainly causing me the same.

However, it would be boring if we all liked the same music, and I cannot let my personal tastes overpower my feeling that this is a fascinating release which many will get a lot from. If you like black metal being taken in a very broad and different directions, then this may well be for you.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/noitasapattiofficial/
https://www.facebook.com/inverserecords