#VAGABONDZREVIEW: MORS SUBITA - ORIGIN OF FIRE

Foreword

Mors Subita is one of the bands I got to know during Covid pandemic. While watching Nummirock virtual festival, I tried to catch some new music to listen to. Unexpectedly, when I was switching on the livestream, these bright guys showed up. For the first glance it was clear that Mors Subita had true metal imagery. Right the moment they started playing a song, I was binging to the screen with my eyes wide open… For those who knows me well, this reaction is surprising as it takes me much time to really attach to a band. Though, Mors Subita hit it off; I immediately followed the band in social media and there it went…

I surely skipped some of the band’s releases since… hard times, you know. Not a long time ago, I was browsing YouTube where I saw the preview of Fire, Walk with Me music video. A bit later I figured out that the band had made a full-length release and, without further thoughts, I deeply dived into their new music.

Bio

Mors Subita is a modern melodic death metal band hailing from Oulu in Finland's North. Formed in 2000, Mors Subita fast became known for their killer riffs and dynamic attitude and took the scene by storm.

The release of their first full-length album Human Waste Compression (2011) saw the band explode within the melodeath scene, and the highly-anticipated follow-up Degeneration (2015) saw the band reaching new heights, with both albums hitting the official charts in Finland and receiving worldwide praise throughout the metal community. With their next two albums, Into the Pitchblack (2018) and Extinction Era (2020) the band continued on their quest of destruction through the Finnish metal scene.

The new album Origin of Fire was released on October 13th via Out Of Line Music.

Mors Subita - Origin of Fire (2023)

Into the Flame

The opening song of the album grabs my attention right from the start. The song opens the gates of the record in pretty slow and longing manner. How could they possibly do it so captivating right from the start, I wonder. Even though this idea is pretty popular with melodeath bands, it rarely enchants immediately. On one hand, it’s can be rather early to make some conclusions in the beginning – but some records define their brand sound with these features predicting a big sound for the rest of the album.

It seems to be a real masterpiece already. The longing and heavily astonishing intro naturally makes me thrilled about the upcoming songs. The guitar sound is something I want to pay attention to – it’s damn massive and heavy, the one I’ve been dreaming to achieve myself. My holy grail of a guitar sound.

The vocal journey of the album has surprisingly started with whisper vocals, that is sometimes used to get us ready for some breaking point of an album. The vocals made my heart leapt. The exact growls I have passion for are here and now. When they slowly rise from the background, I feel the need to absorb them in their full power. My mind is now conquered with serenity that the entire sound imagery gave. The sound of Into the Flame is so huge and powerful, that it’s not in my powers to resist…

Into the Flame is a real opening for me. It turned out to be unexpectedly impressive for the first song of the album. I listened to and reviewed many musical pieces, but rarely did it touch my heart, so I put that record on repeat. For the last few weeks, I did listen to Origin of Fire for countless times. It’s a sign.

Fire, Walk with Me

This irresistibly tearing banger is a great way to extend the uprising tempo in Into the Flame. It’s a pure opposite to the previous pick – damn intensive, wild and fast. Really fast; it’s possibly the craziest blast beat I’ve heard so far. Along with growls and enormously heavy guitar riff, it represents the true power and possibly the heaviest piece of music Mors Subita has ever made.

It was totally great idea to incorporate Fire, Walk With Me right after Into the Flame. The intro tape consisting Into the Flame instrumental part soon changed for Fire, Walk With Me, would make a great opining part for a live show. The audience would be smashed, no doubt.

I find the imagery of fire, dominating the album idea, totally killing. This song reflexes fire, to begin with. The most enchanting feature here is how the downtuned guitars cooperate with enormously kicking vocals – it’s the music for my ears and mind.

The song finds its release right after the verse dissolves into the kicking, and oh-so-moving chorus. It has the first melodic part featured on Fire, Walk With Me, and it’s great that it was put on the background of stereo image. It seems that it works a way more effective than it would have been on the foreground; we have something to focus on while analyzing the instrumental part of a song.

The intro idea was transported to the bridge unchanged. Time to feel that again… Really great way to keep a listener alerted and concentrated – there’s so much stuff to focus on.

I have to mention the great work made on rhythm section here, standing ovation from me is guaranteed. I was actually looking for that heavy sound for ages (because I always demand more when it comes to making heavy sound), and now I hear the perfect sound option.

The second chorus went a bit more intensive, mainly because of the scream features added. The mind-blowing effect is reached closer to the end of the verse as the bridge joined. It represents the genuine fire; all fires I’ve heard before have surely blown out.

A good song can be made better if you add a guitar solo. If you add two, it will be Fire, Walk With Me. Okay, this is the best balance of musical elements I’ve ever run after in a song. There’s pretty enough of everything – damn rhythmic and brutal rhythm section, slight and pure melodics on the background and tearing, manly vocals that captivate the most. And the crazy blast beats, oh my god…

The culmination of the song comes out right after the both solos are ended. Without any shade of doubt there should be a silent part before a final storm. But that fire is still alive, nevermind the storm.

Blackout

As Fire, Walk With Me is remarkable for its imperishably brutal tempo and lasting heaviness, so is Blackout is rushing forward with its classic and enchanting melodeath sound.

A fade-in drum intro is an unexpected element to be featured after the intensive Fire, Walk With Me beats and tears. It keeps track of band’s sound in general as growls join the track along with lead guitars. The same moment vibrant guitar sound appears, and it feels like it’s preparing us for another mind-blowing song.

Comparing to Fire, Walk With Me, the verse is calmer and lower here. But it still pushes to the limit and gets brighter and brighter. Both the verse and the bridge make an impression of well-balanced parts joined very smoothly. While the verse is quiet sharp and ripping, the bridge normalizes the sound with some lead parts making it so enlivening.

Another hit chorus straightly following Fire, Walk With Me has jumped up! The feature of Mors Subita’s music that has been totally astonishing for me is the way they balance roaring rhythm section along with growls with lightly and purely distinguished melodics. In some moments it hangs on a thread, and I admire the way Mors Subita manages to keep it unbreakable…

The second verse feels more intensive. It’s totally explainable after the heavy melodics of the chorus. Generally speaking, Blackout is stuffed with the classic melodeath riffs rush across the song structure, so it can gain popularity with melodic metal lovers. Moreover, the guitar solo holds some thrash metal vibes. There’re some trembling and sharp melodics to follow, so that solo is performed with great thrash attitude. On one hand, it’s important that the album keeps different sort of influences in every piece of music, and Mors Subita perfectly fulfills this mission.

The last chorus keeps it alive and full of emotions. There’re only three songs of Origin of Fire have gone so far, but I’m writing these lines as if hypnotized…

Blood Eagle

It’s surprisingly pure and nice angle to turn to... Pleasant and enchanting melodics of Blood Eagle are here to create some moment of peace after three bangers in a row. What’s more there’re acoustic guitars supporting the vocals, so it feels even more unexpected that the band decided to spread out their sound with female vocals.

However, the moment of peace doesn’t last for eternity, and we hear classic Subita roars coming back. Even harder, even sharper. The growls are taking over the song’s initial calmness and tranquility. The lowered variation of Eemeli’s vocals style in bridge makes me think of a hit chorus to appear again.

Oh my god, I see that Blood Eagle is surely a special song for Origin of Fire. Now with female backing vocals appearing in chorus, I’m totally captivated with the spaciousness they show off. The lead guitar following along the vocal melody is intoxicating, and the rough vocals make it totally thrilling. It seems like my inner world reborn as long as I deepen into this album. It’s been a while since I last felt so alive after a new release. Closer to the end of the chorus, the lead guitar there is melancholic and touching as following the main melodic idea.

I’m impressed of the amount of power Blood Eagle demonstrates. It’s all about unbelievable rush of emotions that strikes on you with every small element fading in and out. As the verse comes back, there’s no shade of melodics left; brutal and sharp Mors Subita sounds is in its full power again. It’s astounding how they manage to control and balance the sound THAT good. Any sudden changes to the main idea are usually noticeable while Blood Eagle makes it unbelievably smooth and gentle.

Don’t Stop

The energy booster named Don’t Stop is a good example of a motivating and enlivening song presented on the album. Possibly, it’s my favorite pick from Origin of Fire. It starts blasting right from the start, capturing you through the sound. As the vocals interrupt and taking it over, my energy is concentrated on them Again, it’s all about balance here. Normally, bands’ performance is either too weak or way too heavy (that makes it hard to catch a tune).

Chorus is undoubtedly the culmination of Don’t Stop. Both thrashy and slow (the lead guitar part balance makes it work). It powers you up with motivation and assurance that enlivens and pushes you takes risks. What’s more, that headbanging break is both brutal and emotional that makes an uplifting effect on your mood. The songs like that are the best to be reviewed after hearing them live…

The wild energy of blast beats powered by hella low growls set a real boost of adrenaline. When the guitar and start their journey, a slight development takes place. What’s more, the energetic guitar solos take place here.

I definitely feel live show energy in Don’t Stop, despite the fact I haven’t been visiting gigs since… 2019. At least I have imagination to feel that. Don’t Stop believing.

Regenerate

Right from the start, the synth part is indicating that something riveting will be here soon. The sound vibe is pretty feverish. Regenerate is relatively slower in tempo, and we can devour the rich sound in its full taste.

Comparing to the previous songs, Regenerate has even much heavier sound. This effected in reached by the slower tempo; the slower it is, the better we should feel the solidness and wealth of the guitar sound. When it comes to the guitar riff itself, it now makes me think of Children of Bodom and purely insane breaks they used to craft in their songs. Actually, is all about classic metal sound than a subgenre division; it’s way purer and clearer to put it into some category… although, by the means of growl style, it definitely has some Amorphis mood (and you know, these guys definitely have something to pay attention on).

What a chorus, man… The melancholy here is more evident than it was before. It can be called ballad a la Subita for sure.

The second verse opening part is astonishingly vibrant and it makes me quiver with the overall sound performance. How the hell can it be so good, seriously… What I really like is the growls style here – they are deeper and bottomed, works totally great with the downtuned guitars.

Regenerate has a great deal of inner power and message for everyone to stay strong and make your dreams come true. It hides something motivating, and it feels like I’ve reborn, following the afterglow of Don’t Stop.

When it comes to the final part of the song and the calm and relaxing bridge comes to life, the album feels totally complete with more or less slow song included. The band perfectly managed to piece together all possible features of a heavy metal song to Regenerate, and they worked brilliant.

Vile

The heavy and thrashy guitar riffs are the attention grabbers of Vile. No doubt, you’ll be attached to the guitar riffs and development all across it. Along with guitar-dominating structure, the vocals add a pinch of brutality.

Speed and sharpness of Vile determines the lack of melodics, although its more about pure guitar journey. The verse feels like a perfect moshpit moment. It’s groovy and energetic what makes it nice to release your energy.

The deep growls are again dominating here, just like in Regenerate. It’s a nice extension to the sound of previous sound. What comes as a surprise is partly clean backing vocals.

After-chorus solo enhances the sound performance, making it even faster and more intensive along with the crazy drumbeat. Vile should be your choice is you’re mad about riffs and heavy sound, it definitely holds something for you.

Downfall

The intro riff throws a flashback of listening to older Lost Society album when the guys were performing old-school-style thrash metal songs. The opening riff of Downfall reminds me of Lost Society’s Terror Hungry. This song definitely has some more thrash mark than before. The song is upbeat and active with that energetic riff.

Downfall is a genre-wise song on Origin of Fire that’s stuffed with thrash and death metal vibes. Still, we can easily follow the patterns and music changes across the song.

The sound is more flat here what shows the thrash metal influence of the song. Another piece of music that will make you want to take part in moshpit as it’s crazy, fast and energetic.

The sound of Downfall gets more spacious closer to the final part of the song. It’s as good as the ones we’ve heard before with its own features and peculiarities. It’s all about broadening the sound of the album, and, happily, all the styles mixed up here are nice to compliment. A true metal recording, no mediocre feelings at all.

Tranquility

The title of the song speaks for itself. The intro of Tranquility feels like an intensive knot is being released step by step and you dip into tranquility and serenity, even though there’s some disturbing and awakening impulses.

It feels like the vocals were moved a little bit backwards to be made as a part of instrumental accompaniment. There’s everything about smooth here, and I feel even more concentrated to catch the idea of Tranquility.

The chorus here is a pure blaster of melodics and brutality, that surprisingly keeps the spirit of serenity. The bridge that joins the chorus and verse includes the catchy guitar tune that calms down the entire song.

There’s a surprising part appearing in Tranquility I should surely mention. When the guitar takes it over, it feels like I’m listening to some 80-inspired modern metal band. That’s something I didn’t expect at all… Wow, if you decided to listen to Origin of Fire in shuffle mode and it would be Tranquility and then Fire, Walk With Me, you’ll surely be… ears on fire XD. Although, chronologically, there’s nothing to overthink about the song order. This change won’t seem hearable.

Damn, It’s crazy how the sound could be changed. Even the palm-mute riff on the background has the entire 80s shades I can’t ignore.

This was the most surprising and unexpected song of the record for now. Up next.

Walk Alone 

The intro of Walk Alone is a great way to turn our attention to unconquerable rhythm section instruments that have been keeping the most stable of a balance throughout the album. That rhythm section is unbelievably brutal. I kept dreaming of a 7-string guitar to reach the same effect on mine… Walk Alone has the album spirit came back and roaring.

The chorus, again! It can’t be that good. Every song on Origin of Fire is a way to remarkable, what a rare example. when chorus join to bridge, Walk Alone seems to have similar pattern to Fire, Walk With Me. 

With the chorus derivation implied, the last moment of Walk Alone is specifically catchy and heartwarming. No words.

P.S. Walk Alone features the wildest growl ever! Respect.

The Killing Trend

It seems like the mood of the whole records changes on the breaking and final point from the album. The unbelievable calm and tranquil unplugged melodies makes it melodic all the way through.

As I follow the development, of course, there should have been that comeback of thrashy Mors Subita sound that was dominating before. The Killing Trend is a way more melancholic, as we hear clearly in the chorus part. It’s surprising for the last song of the record to be that remarkable. Judging my listening experience, the bands mostly feel tired and the final (possibly most important) part of the album hides in the shadows with the slight reflections of brand sound. The Killing Trend acts on the contrary convincing and captivating, just like it was before. The interplay of sharp vocals and touching guitar sound makes it truly remarkable and epic. With the changed perception, the guitar solo sounds way more intensive and emotional. With the rapid swings from melodic from thrashy vibes, it still feels to be unbelievably smooth and exceptional. The calm fading out outro is a perfect and assured point of the album. Nothing extra.

Conclusion

Drawing my review to the final part, I have to make some notes on the release.

Having listened to the most of Mors Subita releases, I can say that Origin of Fire undoubtedly has that icing on the cake.

First of all, it’s hard to imagine an album that has better concentration on both melodic and heavy sides. Obviously. I love both thrash/death and so metal, but same time I’m a great fan of catchy tunes and I can’t imagine for a record to be non-melodic. Surprisingly, I was listening to the that music I needed and searched for ages. Seems, like my metalhead soul is now more complete and stable, thanks to Mors Subita and their new record.

The high-level production made a good impression on my hearing capabilities right from the start of the album. Wide, dynamic, heavy and balanced sound is the basement of Origin of Fire and something that distinguishes this release. The bold and stable rhythm section performance is enchanting. If mention vocals – it’s perfect. I adore growls and consider them to be my favorite style and I like how Eemeli does it. Emotionally, with that feeling and passion. A real metal. From this moment I guess I shall be even more picky to vocals.

The whole album tells one story, all songs suit each other and I didn’t have a single spark of a wish to skip a song. Equally, the performance of the album is exhilarating and astonishing, so you can find yourself naturally headbanging. These songs are just so great so, you can’t stop feeling that energy. Also, when you’re crazy about the heavy guitar sound, Origin of Fire guitar song won’t let you down. Downturned, powered, heavy guitars are the heart of the of the album.

Interestingly enough, there are unexpected moments, like Tranquility with its 80s traces (so damn smooth), Fire, Walk With Me (a future classic) and bangers like Blood Eagle and Regenerate that keep the afterglow of the thrash side of the record and adding up to melodic.

Origin of Fire is of exceptional performance. It’s been a while since my state of euphoria has been alive for so long time after the actual release.

Line-up:

Mika Lammassaari – Guitars, backing vocals

Eemeli Bodde – Vocals 

Mika ”June” Junttila – Bass 

Ville Miinala – Drums 

Juho Näppä – Guitars