Left-hand Side of the Stage: Triptykon

Band: Triptykon
Album: Melana Chasmata
Label: Century Media
Genre: Gothic / Doom
Country: Switzerland
Release Date: 14th April 2014

As the mastermind behind one of Metal's most respected and influential bands, Celtic Frost, as well as Hellhammer and Apollyon Sun, Tom G Fischer should be a name that is familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in Metal. The man is a true visionary - an enigmatic character, who is constantly pushing the boundaries and always moving forward, while managing to retain a unique and recognisable style.

Just his voice alone and especially the, now infamous, "death grunt" has inspired and influenced just about every Extreme Metal act to come after Celtic Frost. That's before we even start on his music. Ever-changing, developing and growing, Celtic Frost were pioneers, showing that you don't have to adhere to any strict rules to be considered heavy and to make an impact. After the inevitable, and likely permanent, demise of Celtic Frost in 2008, Tom returned to the fray with the awe-inspiring Triptykon. Essentially continuing right where he left off, Triptykon's stunning 2010 debut, "Eparistera Daimones" was every bit the natural successor to Celtic Frost's final album, "Monotheist".

Now, here we are in 2014 and the band has finally released its sophomore album "Melana Chasmata" and, of course, it is every bit as epic, dark, sorrowful and beautiful as you would expect and could ever want it to be. Triptykon prove, once again, that Metal doesn't need to be fast and brutal to be heavy. Don't worry though, there are riffs aplenty to be found here are they are so crushingly slow and stiflingly oppressive that it almost feels as if Triptykon are deliberately trying to wear you down and beat you into submission with each and every song. Every element - be it female vocals, acoustic passages, guitar effects or even THAT aforementioned "death grunt" - is cleverly and subtly utilised to maximum effect. Less is more is something that Tom clearly understands completely. Every song is expertly written and arranged, making "Malana Chasmata" as close to musical perfection as I've ever heard and, so far at least, the crowning achievement in one man's long and (mainly) successful career.

It really is astonishing, that at 50 years of age, Thomas Gabriel Fischer has once again redefined what it means to be extreme. Essential listening for all fans of heavy music and a new contender for album of 2014.

Total Playing Time: 67:22

Overall: 10/10

Tracklist:

Tree Of Suffocating Souls
Boleskine House
Altar Of Deceit
Breathing
Aurorae
Demon Pact
In The Sleep Of Death
Black Snow
Waiting