Siaskel - Jatenentolpen Thejin

SIASKEL - Jatenentolpen Thejin (Self released - CD 2014)

I suppose for many of you this is going to be an interesting review, because it will introduce you to new band hailing from the mighty Chilean death metal scene! And the maniacs of real, obscure death underground have always had a great respect for Chile! But for me this isn’t an easy review, because even if I have listened to “Jatenentolpen Thejin” countless times and definitely liked it since the first time, it turned out it isn’t so easy to describe the album and put in the words its essence and the impression it makes. But I will give my best to do it…

“Jatenentolpen Thejin” is a debut CD for Siaskel, who on this album write about the culture, mythology and cosmogony of the native Chilean people called Selk’nam. But, if one would expect more ethnic and folk music, then he will be hugely disappointed, as nothing like that can be found on “Jatenentolpen Thejin”. Instead, the album brings an obscure, relentless and harsh take on death metal. Stylistically, the band is deeply rooted in the foundations of the genre, in the old school style, but manage to transform it into something more unique and unconventional, while still using the conventional means. I mean, this music is old school, but is nothing like any of the old 90’s albums. This music is classic death metal, but I guess there will not be many bands, which you can compare Siaskel to. Anyway, the riffing is thick and merciless, violent and sometimes also atmospheric… The arrangements are sometimes quite complex, but without going into over technical, modern style of death metal... More so, the main basis for the entire “Jatenentolpen Thejin” is to combine the atmosphere with violent, aggressive death metal. And as such, Siaskel reminds me bands such as Bloody Sign and Forest of Impaled. Majority of the album has been played in fast or mid paced tempo, what results in powerful and fierce attack, just like in songs such as “Lo'coinishi Nar Oukas”, “Howens” and “O’oke”. But I suppose that my favourite song is “Howens”, as it has a nice Vader meets Incantation feeling and crushing energy. Sometimes there’s even a small resemblance to some Krisiun works, but no way is Siaskel as monotonous as the Brazilians. Anyway, by the most of the “Jatenentolpen Thejin” Siaskel rips through the speakers like crazy and leaves no doubts that they’re just very good band. I can also point out great drumming, spotless production… Say what you want, but Chileans have the right guts to play death metal. Support the band!

Standout tracks: “Lo'coinishi Nar Oukas”, “Howens”

Final rate: 75/100