Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja ALBUM REVIEW

19th December 2024 0 By Laura Jane

This is a bit of a different one for me so let me start off by saying “I’m a lover of all things metal but sometimes ‘black metal’ doesn’t do it for me” But I’m pleasantly happy to announce that Oranssi Pazuzu and their latest album release “Muuntautuja” tickled a small pickle inside of me that led me to be a convert (for now, full disclosure my heart will always belong to deathcore – Sorry not sorry!).

Oranssi Pazuzu are a Finnish psychedelic black metal band. Firstly, what does the name stand for? The band takes its name from “Oranssi”, the Finnish word for the color orange, and “Pazuzu” a wind demon from Babylonian mythology so I’m guessing roughly translated this means an orange wind demon. and secondly, What is Psychedelic black metal I hear no one ask ever… I’m going to tell you with an answer straight out of Wikipedia (a reliable source, right?) Psychedelic black metal is a subgenre of black metal that employs the usage of psychedelic elements in their music. Sweet, we now have a definition but do I believe that this band meets that definition? Definitely.

Oranssi Pazuzus’ latest album Muuntautuja was released October 11, 2024, under Nuclear Blast and has been receiving positive feedback since its release and even so far as to be dubbed one of their most intense and unhinged works to date by a few various critics. Will I think the same? Let’s see.

The album kicks off with a very atmospheric track “Bioalkemisti” which really sets the tone strongly for the rest of the album. It’s an audio experience and definitely one I was not expecting to experience on an album like this. This track is followed up with the title track “Muuntautuja” of which shows the true dynamic depths that this band are capable of.

You can find the official video for “Muuntautuja” below (PLEASE NOTE THIS VIDEO CONTAINS FLASHING IMAGERY/LIGHTS, PLEASE VIEW WITH CAUTION):As I stare into the void listening to this album multiple times other notable tracks I’d love to give a shout out for are “Hautatuuli”, “Valotus” and “Ikikäärmme,” Each track brings a different field of depth to the album and showcases the raw gritty talent these Finnish superstars bring to the table for their bands unique sound. If you like bands that are growly, gnarly, and just a little bit filthy, what you waiting for? This album may be the right one for you.

Overall you know what, I enjoyed this album. For a genre that I can be hit and miss on I see the thought process (possibly) behind what this album is and in general found it to be a good listen (albeit, not the easiest – if you’re expecting melodic harmonies, pinch harmonics, and clean singing, this may not be your cup of tea but hey I didn’t think it would be mine but here we are a 9/10 rating!). I honestly believe anyone who is a fan of black metal would find this album an even better listen than me so would highly suggest that you give the album some time, take note, and party on like an “Orange Wind Demon”. I’m sure I could make another joke about something else here as a light-hearted nudge but I just can’t find the wording to do so. If I find myself reviewing another Oranssi Pazuzu album I’ll be sure to include an updated humorous laugh in there.

Score 9/10