Miseria Ultima – Arctic Esotericism (Digital/CD Album – Alfa Matrix)
“Arctic Esotericism” is the fourth album by the Finnish duo Miseria Ultima. Aleksi Martikainen (vocals) and Kimmo Huhtala (music) offer a Scandinavian perspective on the journey between birth and death. These themes are translated into hard-hitting, danceable Dark-Electro tracks, driven by low, minimalist bass lines and icy melodies. Martikainen’s harsh, intense vocals sit atop the music. The opening tracks stand out for their power and uplifting energy. However, the overall production lacks variation, with the leads remaining quite similar throughout the entire work. A bit more diversity would have been a welcome addition. That said, there’s no shortage of dance tracks on this latest release. (Rating:7).
Listen to “In Murder”:
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About Miseria Ultima
Miseria Ultima is a Finnish industrial electro band formed in 2016 by Aleksi Martikainen (vocals) and Kimmo Huhtala (synths). Their music blends elements of EBM, aggrotech, and dark electro, creating a unique sound characterized by cold, melancholic atmospheres and intense, aggressive beats.
The band has released several well-received albums, starting with their debut “Phosphor” in 2017. This was followed by “Graygarden” in early 2020, which continued to build their reputation in the dark electro scene. In 2022, they signed with the Alfa Matrix label and released their third album, “In Colors of Void”.
Miseria Ultima draws inspiration from the harsh, cold environment of northern Finland, translating the stark beauty and desolation of their surroundings into their music. Their lyrics often explore themes of mortality, grief, and introspection, influenced by their experiences and philosophical reflections. With “Arctic Esotericism”, released on digital and CD through Alfa Matrix, the duo adds a fourth album to that chronology.
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