You just might need an exorcism after hearing La Bas. This latest four song MLP from TERATISM has been pulled from their hellish vaults for your listening pleasure. Accompanying this diabolic release, which is limited to 500 vinyl copies, is some of the sickest artwork I have ever seen courtesy of Mark Riddick. Not only is the cover image demonic and horrific, but included is one grotesque poster that is morbidly fascinating, also involved is a very decadent booklet with lyrics and old world Satanic artwork straight outta hell.
Treated to three original, unnerving songs and one cover, TERATISM have slowed things down a bit to deliver a frightful blast of demonic rage. Gospel Of The Heliophobe creeps in like an ominous black cloud devouring everything. The vocals of V. Wrath are fucking deranged, vile and inhuman sounding. Maybe a bit too layered at times, but when it sounds as if you are going to swallow one’s soul and then spit it back out again, then you’ve fucking nailed it. Nonetheless, the vocals are extremely terrifying on every song from La Bas! Unless you truly understand what Satanic black metal is all about then you will never get it. Shadows Flee The Burning Sons Of Light has actually been a part of their live performances over the past year and to hear it on recording takes it to another fiendish level. Classic TERATISM all the way, the tell tale malevolent sound of guitars by Murder and Domitian are instantly recognizable. With their pernicious tones they transfer the feelings of ultimate evil in every way, shape, and form. It’s like hearing demons at play. The final song, Come To The Sabbat is a cover from an obscure 1970s occult band called Black Widow, I was not familiar with the original song, but when I heard it, and then heard TERATISM’s version I was blown away. TERATISM took a song that sounded like an obscene little witch tale and defiled it into the most Satanic and perversely devastating song ever. I must say that TERATISM puts such a horrifically cool spin on their cover songs that if there is a TERATISM release without a cover song I’m a bit disappointed. La Bas may not be brand new material, as it was recorded in 2009, but it truly shines like so. If this is any inkling to what TERATISM has up their magic robed sleeves for us next then I for one can hardly wait.