Review of Mors Principium Est - Inhumanity

In the past year or two, it's become apparent that Finland is replacing Sweden as the place to find the best melodic death around. Mainly characterized by what's usually thought of as the Bodom-sound, the Finnish breed of melodic death is typically more intricate. There's substantial keyboard use, more melody, more flash, and more polish than the more straightforward and aggressive Swedish sound of In Flames and At the Gates. With that said, I took a look at the debut album by Mors Principium Est, entitled Inhumanity. While the name may be a bit unwieldy, rest assured that the album is loaded with well-played metal. Of particular note are the truckloads of catchy and melodic riffs created by the duo of Jori Haukio and Jarkko Kokko, which are complemented by the adept keys of Toni Nummelin. The vocals of Ville Viljanen are reminiscent of a young Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity). Inhumanity was recorded at Tico-Tico Studios in Finland, so you probably can already tell how it was produced: Solid and clear emphasis on the keys and guitar wankery, not too much of bottom end - a pleasing sound all around.
Inhumanity is consistent, above-average, Finnish melodeath throughout, although the choruses of The Lust Called Knowledge and Life in Black stand out. All of the songs are fast-paced, with the exception of the mellow instrumental Oblivion and the closing track Into Illusion. This song is slow and doomy, with cleanly sung verses, and a sorrowful chorus. Into Illusion sounds a bit like something that would fit in on DT's Projector, or maybe even In Flames' Colony. Whatever the case, it's a captivating track that provides an unexpected but fitting closure to the album.
The only real drawback to this album is that this particular sound is being played and played well by a lot of other bands. From Children of Bodom to Kalmah to Omnium Gatherum, the market may be getting a little saturated by the Finnish sound, which is a serious injustice to all of the superb bands involved. Inhumanity is one of those albums where you pop it in and 40 minutes feels like 10. If you're not burnt out on melodic death yet, definitely give these young bucks a fair shake. Very recommended.

Release Details

Mors Principium Est

Inhumanity

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