Soulgrind - Ad Pulchram Mortem
Release Date: August 14th, 2026
Inverse Records
Soulgrind is a Finnish metal band that got its start in 1992. They will soon release their 10th album, "Ad Pulchram Mortem" through Inverse Records. The band features many elements in their sound including, death metal, black metal and gothic metal. The band was founded by guitarist and programmer, Lord Heikkinen. Another long time member since 1999, Miika 'Azhemin' Niemelä , has contributed keyboards and programming. The current band is rounded out by: Tanya Lilith (vocals), Suntio (drums), JP (bass), and Micko Hell (guitars, vocals). Ideas present in their music focuses on, "the darker aspects of Finnish history and psyche, combining passion, war, and the "dark side of mind" into their lyrical content, reflecting a deep connection to Finland's cultural and historical roots."
Melancholically opening the album, "Nousse Musta Lintu" has a dark foreboding sound while still retaining mild uplifting undertones. After a few minutes passionate female vocals start that are layered to add a full dimensional quality to the music. "The Origin Of The White Spirit" cuts in with a menacingly heavy but dark sound. Encapsulated in a shroud of dreariness, the band personifies the bleaker but beautiful aspects of humanity. Mildly punishing but mostly focusing on the atmosphere of the song, the band creates an otherworldly universe of wonderful desolation in which to reside. At a length of 8:52, the band utilizes all the time to draw the listener in with melody and diversity. Next, "Jylhä Metsämies" hits hard in the beginning with brutal aggressiveness. My favorite part is when Tanya Lilith sings in her own language that adds a exciting quality to the song. Mildly sinister and fully moving, the song transcends many areas of music to create a unique encounter. Crafted with a mesmerizing and dusky soul, "The Last Day of Therinon", focuses vocally on Tanya with softer instrumental elements but still retains metallic components. Wonderfully poignant, this emotionally derived performance captures the listener in a firm grasp of enjoyable sadness.
"In The Circus of Tuonela" is a return to their crushingly brutal components in the beginning. Evolving seamlessly into somberness, Soulgrind effortlessly bridges their ideas with blackened wit. A song that is a soul-crushing trip into loss that we surely will choose to stay. All the cheerlessness coalesces into a foreboding form on, "Dark Water Ride". All hope is shrouded in a blanket of despair on the track and its charm resides in its impure soul. Viciously elegant, the song possesses compelling variations to retain our tainted interest. "Tears Of The Earth" has a momentary reprieve from the darkness at its start with slightly uplifting feel. Alternating between virulent death metal attacks and wicked female vocals in the chorus, the song is classic beauty and the beast. If beauty was a demonic entity that sounded both graceful and evil at the same time. As with prior tracks there is still a strong emphasis on catchy darkened dynamics. The eighth track, "A Whispered Curse Upon The Gale" hits cruelly with fury and malicious intent. Interwoven cleverly in the song is an array of moments both violently loud and melodiously reserved. The song writing in the band is intelligently conceived with a hellish tone. "As A Narrow Ford Descends" is a perilous journey that has periods solemn allure. A combination of severe pounding rhythms and unlit melody allow the listener to vicariously experience the ceremoniously grave world view of its creators. Lastly, "In The Shadows Of Devotion" is a dismally wonderous encounter. Focusing on mood the band develops with track with a bleak and striking conviction. Vocally, Tanya handles the song in its entirety showcasing her already obvious talent. These kind of songs I believe are difficult to effectively write, but the band handled it amazingly. A powerful end to the album that allows the listener to feel the trip was well worth it.
www.facebook.com/SoulgrindFinland
soulgrind.bandcamp.com
Release Date: August 14th, 2026
Inverse Records
Soulgrind is a Finnish metal band that got its start in 1992. They will soon release their 10th album, "Ad Pulchram Mortem" through Inverse Records. The band features many elements in their sound including, death metal, black metal and gothic metal. The band was founded by guitarist and programmer, Lord Heikkinen. Another long time member since 1999, Miika 'Azhemin' Niemelä , has contributed keyboards and programming. The current band is rounded out by: Tanya Lilith (vocals), Suntio (drums), JP (bass), and Micko Hell (guitars, vocals). Ideas present in their music focuses on, "the darker aspects of Finnish history and psyche, combining passion, war, and the "dark side of mind" into their lyrical content, reflecting a deep connection to Finland's cultural and historical roots."
Melancholically opening the album, "Nousse Musta Lintu" has a dark foreboding sound while still retaining mild uplifting undertones. After a few minutes passionate female vocals start that are layered to add a full dimensional quality to the music. "The Origin Of The White Spirit" cuts in with a menacingly heavy but dark sound. Encapsulated in a shroud of dreariness, the band personifies the bleaker but beautiful aspects of humanity. Mildly punishing but mostly focusing on the atmosphere of the song, the band creates an otherworldly universe of wonderful desolation in which to reside. At a length of 8:52, the band utilizes all the time to draw the listener in with melody and diversity. Next, "Jylhä Metsämies" hits hard in the beginning with brutal aggressiveness. My favorite part is when Tanya Lilith sings in her own language that adds a exciting quality to the song. Mildly sinister and fully moving, the song transcends many areas of music to create a unique encounter. Crafted with a mesmerizing and dusky soul, "The Last Day of Therinon", focuses vocally on Tanya with softer instrumental elements but still retains metallic components. Wonderfully poignant, this emotionally derived performance captures the listener in a firm grasp of enjoyable sadness.
"In The Circus of Tuonela" is a return to their crushingly brutal components in the beginning. Evolving seamlessly into somberness, Soulgrind effortlessly bridges their ideas with blackened wit. A song that is a soul-crushing trip into loss that we surely will choose to stay. All the cheerlessness coalesces into a foreboding form on, "Dark Water Ride". All hope is shrouded in a blanket of despair on the track and its charm resides in its impure soul. Viciously elegant, the song possesses compelling variations to retain our tainted interest. "Tears Of The Earth" has a momentary reprieve from the darkness at its start with slightly uplifting feel. Alternating between virulent death metal attacks and wicked female vocals in the chorus, the song is classic beauty and the beast. If beauty was a demonic entity that sounded both graceful and evil at the same time. As with prior tracks there is still a strong emphasis on catchy darkened dynamics. The eighth track, "A Whispered Curse Upon The Gale" hits cruelly with fury and malicious intent. Interwoven cleverly in the song is an array of moments both violently loud and melodiously reserved. The song writing in the band is intelligently conceived with a hellish tone. "As A Narrow Ford Descends" is a perilous journey that has periods solemn allure. A combination of severe pounding rhythms and unlit melody allow the listener to vicariously experience the ceremoniously grave world view of its creators. Lastly, "In The Shadows Of Devotion" is a dismally wonderous encounter. Focusing on mood the band develops with track with a bleak and striking conviction. Vocally, Tanya handles the song in its entirety showcasing her already obvious talent. These kind of songs I believe are difficult to effectively write, but the band handled it amazingly. A powerful end to the album that allows the listener to feel the trip was well worth it.
www.facebook.com/SoulgrindFinland
soulgrind.bandcamp.com