By: Anders

Posted: Jun 25, 2005

This rather new Swedish band consists of Joakim Kristensson of Thyrfing fame, handling all the strings and vocals and Dennis Ekdahl known for his blistering drum work on Raise Hell.

This debut album consists of 5 tracks considered to be the album, and then the band’s demo from 2003, which are the last 2 songs on this release. Rutthna, which by the way means rot, offers us old school metal, with an ugly taste of blackness, mixed with an almost thrashy drive. The guitar riffs are few and simple, but very driving and effective. They are catchy and have a nice raw edge. The bass pummels in the background, not that special, but its there and keeps the rhythm going. The drumming is also simple, hardhitting beats, pushing forth the midpaced songs and creates a bit of havoc.

The production of the album is raw and ugly, as expected within this style. It all has a foul stench of the 80ties, just as we like it. The guitar is straight in our faces, and drums right beneath it. The ugly vocals are in the middle, while spewing forth unlimited amounts of blackened bile, about the world’s end. The synth used here and there, are nicely down tuned, and does add to the overall atmosphere, without stealing the picture.

It is not the most interesting and ground breaking effort Rutthna has made. Though I am pretty sure that wasn’t the intent. This is about bringing the grim spirit of older days alive again, and on that account the band has succeeded. 5 new tracks slaying away, bringing nostalgia into the living room, and 2 demo tracks, just as great and nostalgia inducing.

Rating: 7/10

Print