Here we have the six-track 42-minute-long debut from Canberra-based symphonic blackened death metallers Project: Ultimate Satan. The band photo shows five members, and that is what is listed in the press release, but there are three others involved on this album and the bible which is Encyclopaedia Metallum lists seven full-time. One of those is second singer Jem, who is not down as a full member on the PR, but I hope she is sticking around as she is one of the elements which adds additional class with her string clear vocals harmonising well with the death growls of Scottanic. There are three guitarists involved, but the production favours the vocals and keyboards, with guitars often pushed to the rear and the bass almost non-existent while the drums feel somewhat lightweight, so much so that if I didn’t know better, I would say they had been programmed.

The overall result is an album which shows promise and does maintain interest but is also let down by the production and some of the arrangements. There is a contrast between brutality and beauty which is compelling, but it only comes through in sections as opposed to the whole album. When they get it right one can hear what a powerful outfit they could be, but until they get a different producer and a drummer who does not overplay as much as this one, I cannot see them making the breakthrough they are looking for. According to the press release, “Their music invokes the primal and esoteric, channelling the darkness of the cosmos itself. Sinister choirs, ominous string sections, and celestial harmonies interlace with crushing guitar riffs and relentless blast beats, creating a grandiose yet brutal soundscape.”

That may be true, but it doesn’t come through as well on this album as they imagine and while the use of film speeches is fascinating, the symphonic elements bang on with great vocals, they have a lot to do to take it to the next level.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/projectultimatesatan/
https://www.facebook.com/eschatonicrecords