Dhishti – Life Is Suffering Review

As the listener pushes the play button, the opening track, Kannalua, greets the listener with a ritualistic ambience and frightening, occult-like chanting in the ancient Sinhala language, setting the album’s theme in motion.

The listener continues their journey with the second piece, Maranashruti, and the five remaining pieces. The music takes the listener on a journey where the album speaks about “beliefs, rituals and prophecies that certain groups of people still follow….”

Dhishti’s fascinating concept takes us through their ancestors’ shadowy and enigmatic traditions. The album’s lyrics are written in an older form of the native language, which dates back over two thousand years. The language was chosen because these rituals were initially done in Sinhala, and translating them into another language would take away their originality and authenticity.

Life Is Suffering is a compelling compilation of seven songs, each with its style and character. The album is forty-six minutes long, with some tracks lasting more than eight minutes, allowing listeners to immerse themselves completely. Each song has a unique mood and takes you on an emotional journey, connecting you to the music and the performer.

Life Is Suffering is a fruit-of-art musical release that boasts top-notch (modern) production sound and quality that elevates the album’s overall quality. The music is a fusion of atmospheric and depressive black metal, creating a unique and captivating listening experience. The composition and songwriting are executed precisely and skilfully, resulting in a powerful and emotionally charged release.

Life Is Suffering is a depressing, dark, twisted atmosphere surrounded by the haunting sounds of Dhishti’s devilmanship and instrumentation. The album mixes things with occasional tribal drumming effects, dissonant harmonies and melodious/rhythmic riffs that break the darkness with some glimmer of light. The striking lead guitar work is a real treat for the ears, and it all comes together to create an unforgettable listening experience.

If you are an extreme metal or an atmospheric/depressive black metal fan, you must have Life Is Suffering in your collection. This music is a powerful, emotional and depressive journey.

The album concludes with the final track, මරුදැපවිල්ල (Marudepawilla). We want to give a shoutout to Satanath Records for letting us review Dhishti and their album, Life Is Suffering.