The lewd image of a fat pig slouching atop a throne, legs spread apart to reveal his giant genitals, is a clear indication that dirty, unapologetic, in-your-face metal awaits. The album title refers to Dionysus: the Greek god of wine and fertility, but also of insanity and religious ecstasy — the perfect ingredients for Satanic rituals and orgies. With song titles such as "Of Satanic Pandemonium and Carnal Desecration", Black Mass Pervertor clearly aim to provide the accompanying music for such wild and lustful festivities. Besides the band's pig mascot, the cover art also depicts many of Dionysus's associated symbols such as grapevines, a lion, a bull, a goat, and — who could've guessed! — a phallus.
The exact genre of the music performed by the Finnish trio Black Mass Pervertor is quite difficult to pin down. After a slow, foreboding, doom-tinged intro track reminiscent of Autopsy, the album quickly picks up the pace with "Gathering of the Sodomites" and never looks back. The band go on to play a fun, crust punk-infused black metal similar to Devil Master. But this aggressive, fast-paced style is also mixed with a darker, Finnish death metal sound akin to Demigod. Additionally, some of the groovy riffs remind me of German grindcore masters Japanische Kampfhörspiele, while the razor-sharp tremolo-picking gives off Melechesh vibes. All these styles, enhanced by the rich production, coalesce into a raw and frenzied celebration of the filthy side of metal.
Dionysian Rite presents an ensemble of crunchy riffing and smooth bass licks, with the occasional crazed solo sprinkled in, all guided by the catchy percussion and bestial, raspy vocals. With most of the ten songs lasting only two to three minutes, the album flies by in half an hour of savage, passionate revelry. This soundtrack to sinful debauchery is nothing short of addictive. So what are you waiting for? Come and join the fun!
