Formed already in 1993, this Lithuanian band have just released their third full length album. They have definitely honed their dark art during the years. Their previous album, 'Prakeikimas' from 2005 was the first ever injection of Dissimulation for me and still to date I haven't heard the debut. The previous one was a grower, as I stated in its review, and also gave it a bit too low a score. But what's done is done... Anyway, 'Prakeikimas' showed a band with very characteristic output, and 'Atiduokit Mirusius' (translates to "give back the dead") does not tarnish that observation. Not a single bit.

The biggest characteristic is obviously the Lithuanian language, with which every song is performed. It sounds scoundrelly, very fluidy. Gladly all the lyrics are printed in English, too. The severe, bawling vocals are great and with quite a bit of variety. Music-wise, this album is a bit more light-hearted than pretty dark 'Prakeikimas'. It had its funny bits, and I mean "funny" in a positive way. Here, the band have once again brewed very own kind of metal soup. The band have two main ingredients, which are black 'n' roll, and thrash metal. 'Bilietas į Cirką' starts with the famous circus theme, but soon explodes into hellishly energetic speed 'n' thrashing! Talk about catchy... But the song ain't straight, that's for sure. 'Šliundra' enters darker territory with its slithering riffs and the trend continues on 'Praregėjimo Diena', but sadly the songs are straighter when compared to the opener. The first riff of 'Šaltyje Akmens' sounds like some Wild West theme, believe me, but the black elements take its place soon. 'Prasmekit' is a welcome return to twisted song-craft. 'Jums' is packed with volatile energy, well, for the first 30 or so seconds, before becoming a real mosh pit song. 'Aš Grifas' and 'Atiduokit Mirusius' end the album in a darker note. Dissimulation stand inside the pentagram of Celtic Frost (old), Metallica (1980's), Voivod (older), Satyricon (modern) and German thrash metal. And mind you, without "the money" factor. It's pure metal!

The sound is very organic and in-your-face. It is enjoyable to hear the instruments and the way they are played. Inverted cross on the slipcase is simple, but striking enough effect. The actual cover artwork is generally rather bland, but the booklet and the case contain some good photography. As mentioned before, it is good to have the English translations for the lyrics.

'Atiduokit Mirusius' is both tasty and frustrating. It's packed with explosive energy, it is jaggedly and detailedly performed, it's got some great metal, plus Dissimulation simply sound intriguingly original. On the other hand, some of the music drags a bit, and it is easy to lose preoccupation at times. Still, merits excel demerits. If you salivate for some underground metal, you could do so much worse.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/27/2009 19:41