This Sri Lankan band is shrouded in mystery. No one knows who they are, the members remaining anonymous. In fact, they go without a proper name, although the record label deems it appropriate to call them “Mahasona” after the demonic entity featured on the cover of this, their first demo. The demon in question is a well-known figure in Sri Lankan folklore and occult traditions. Apparently, the verses of the song are composed using the ancient devil dance traditions in Sri Lanka, modified to change the intent of the original ceremonies. You see, in this case, the song is an invocation, an invitation, for the demon spirit to come possess the listener, rather than to drive the demon out. Combining this with a sludgy, filthy sound, one that pulls equally from death metal, black metal, drone, and doom, this one song demo is truly a treat for those who love lo-fi sludge.
Supposedly recorded in one take, live off the floor, this fourteen and a half minute single song sure is heavy. Your enjoyment of it will depend on what tickles your ears the most. If you want something straight-forward, with riffs and choruses and the like, you will be instantly repelled. If you’re looking for something more experimental, something that focuses on the noise aspect, then you’re going to be really quite pleased with this offering. This certainly sounds demonic. It most certainly sounds like a twisted ritual being carried out in real time. If you close your eyes, you can smell the blood and the shit and hear the screams of the damned echoing off the walls. This is very dark and very heavy but not in any kind of traditional way. Mahasona have crafted a truly original work here, mixing brief musicality with sludgy evil. Demons did not invade my body as I listened, by my cat and dog were definitely driven out of the room, and this one is destined to drive any casual listener far, far away. Truly unique, and it will be interesting to see where the band take this sound from here.
