THE BEAST

Finnish proto-metal quintet Musta Risti ("Black Cross")'s self titled album is an exercise in apocalyptic retrofuturist doom-boogie that revels in fuzz, noise and destruction. It is a black trip of cosmic dimensions, a post-Sabbathian riff mass that welds ancient heavy metal into modern fuzz rock.

Written during a two year period, the self titled album is a twofold affair, on one hand tapping into the lead-heavy doom metal tradition while grooving madly on the other, with the drummer treating his kit as a lead instrument. "Doom funk", as a reviewer once called the band's musical approach. The album has a very earthen, organic quality to it, sure to leave the taste of dirt in your mouth.

Musta Risti's ominous groove will put you in the passenger seat while madness takes hold and the doomsday machine starts to roll forward. Check out this other release while you wait!