Review: “Universumin Kuningas” by Kaksonen

After a decade long hiatus following the release of 2013 EP “Kivisydän” (or “Heart Of Stone“) the return of Finnish Death Thrash mercenaries Kaksonen (or “A Twin“) was wholly unexpected. The quartet, comprising guitarist Antti Lähdesmäki, bassist and vocalist Ville Koskivaara, drummer Tuomo Rinkinen and guitarist Miika Vainio had scattered to the four winds after an eight year reign of terror, having waged war on the World from Äänekoski nuclear fallout area since 2005. It was written that life eventually led the childhood friends apart across the Nordic countries, never to return. However “Universumin Kuningas” (or “The Emperor Of The Universe“) proves otherwise, an opus about humanity – of immortal fury in a mortal body. While not officially a concept record, there is a narrative that is interwoven into the fabric of these songs, the limitations of Human existence dragging at the coat tails of Gods like nails on a chalk board during half an hour of power…

Extreme Metal remains in the black hearts of Kaksonen, “Universumin Kuningas” feeling like the band never left us rather than wandering in the wilderness for a decade. Opening cut “Jättiläisten maa” (or “Land Of Giants“) offers up ritualistic vibes, the soundscape to accompany a virgin sacrifice in the opening 150 seconds before bursting into flame as the cloak falls unveiling a demon as the guitars are cranked up and the harmonic chanting transforms into guttural screams. Cleverly the song structure is not abandoned in favour of anarchy, the chaos instead restrained enough not to descend into madness. That paves the way for “Vihasta tehty” (or “Made Of Anger“), the opening pairing of tracks conjoined twins never to be parted. Turning up the heat, the band throw their bullets in the fire and run like hell with crushing Black ‘n Roll disturbances as they harness a dark demonic power from the rage within to conjure a powerhouse offering. The vocals are spitting, snarling fury but the lead parts win the day by offering something less traditional and more imaginative before “Sielunsyöjät” (or “Soul Eaters“) brings an unexpected anthemic chorus and a well worked false ending that splits a near eight minute magnum opus into a trinity. It has to be said that the drum sound is immense, crisp clean, big and bold while the bass looms large on the horizon as the band flirt with Progressive Metal moments on this one. Together they create a monstrous, thunderous storm that surges with violent turbulence as it grows in stature, its power never to be underestimated.

“Kaukana kaikesta” (or “Far From Everything“) continues the flow of water from the snow capped mountains to the rivers in the valleys below with tasteful vocal layering, a clean almost chanted layer sitting directly above a platform of raging uncleans during the anthemic choruses. Thunderous staccato riff breaks during those violent verses breaking with chinks of light through the clouds and the extended Traditional Metal leaning solo is utterly sublime. Rounding off the record in style with a ten and a half minute magnum opus in “Kuolema” (or “Death“), the band stick to their principals to create something that encapsulates the record as a whole. Delicate nuances and potent atmospheres are interwoven into the very fabric of this one, ensuring that there is no escape. Epic and grand while at the same time grotesque and ugly, the embittered roars of Koskivaara sounds like those of dying beast impaled on a spike in the final third, the crushing Doom inspired riffage slickly transitioning into a Downtempo movement to bring the bloodstained curtain down. If there was anyone wondering if the band would destroy their legacy returning after so long, they can rest assured that if anything, this new burnt offering serves only to enhance their glowing reputation. There is plenty of life in this beast yet… [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Jättiläisten maa
2. Vihasta tehty
3. Sielunsyöjät
4. Kaukana kaikesta
5. Kuolema

“Universumin Kuningas” by Kaksonen is out 9th June 2023 via Inverse Records