Kouristus - Mielen Ja Maailman Rappio

Finland’s Kouristus continue to grind off faces and ears with Punk attitude as they unleash their full length album “Mielen Ja Maailman Rappio.” Translating to Decay of the Mind and the World, expect more short politically/ social/ culturally charged music in Finnish with the mix of Napalm Death meets Drain or even Municipal Waste. Compared to past EP releases, the drums here sound more lively and somewhat clunky, but have that ferocity that can be appreciated from a Vital Remains album. It all clicks well together, although it also seems to pass as quickly as it comes. Tracks like ‘Yksin Kotona…’ have that familiar Napalm Death feel with the vocal delivery and the guitars, but it is the Punk touches that really get things going when a track like ‘Irtiottoja’ comes along; the sound is more upbeat which leaves on the vocals in their almost Cavalera styled roar to bring back the days of older Sepultura before their more Tribal Groove days. The Thrash elements are also present when considering the catchiness that is almost Megadeth styled with ‘Karma Kostaa.’

With more tracks though does not necessarily mean that Kouristus has improved upon their formula. Much like their last EP reviewed on Brutalism, a lot of the sound remains the same just in more short doses. True the band does a better job at mixing things up and moving away from the typical Nasum or Napalm Death sound while still retaining its core Grindcore, but even the more injection of Punk and sounding like a rougher version of Drain or a more catchier style of Nails isn’t really enough to do more than make listeners raise their eyebrows only slightly. Still, while it doesn’t quite feel like one gets enough out of this less than thirty minute release, those who know Grindcore/ Hardcore/ Punk albums well know that they are in for short, aggressive bursts of ferocity that will stir up the better moshpits where one can have fun. Tracks like ‘Kalman Haju’ feature some of the better Grind Thrash moments for the band and show some evolution, but the album pretty much sounds just like the last with better drumming.

While speed is known for Kouristus, when they slow down at times they really let the riffs soak in, and slower sometimes is better which is shown on the final ‘Kuolevainen…’ The Thrash/ classic Heavy Metal sound takes root here and sheds away the faster nastier Grindcore side and induces a longer piece that is finally able to be enjoyed fully rather than feel like one is being ear fed snippets of tracks. While with the longer track it does get a bit repetitive, the riff is rather catchy and enjoyable and will incite some great headbanging moments rather than the urge to run around and mosh. Overall “Mielen…” is exactly what the Punk and Grindcore enthusiast would like to order, but feels still a bit basic and could use some more flavoring and meatiness as far as track length and crunch to the song structures to make a more lasting impression. It will satisfy fans for sure, but probably not long enough. Give it a few spins though to really enjoy the Punk tinged elements mixed with Grind for a basic ear beat down.

3 / 5 STARS