Every now and then, something howls out of Finland’s underworld that you absolutely weren’t prepared for. Enter Mutant Sex Demon and their second album “Cutting Through”, a record that rides the razor-thin line between schlock and sincerity, full of vampiric swagger, basement aggression, and a surprising amount of musical finesse.
Released via Dominance of Darkness Records, “Cutting Through” is the work of one man: the prolific Mutant Sex Demon himself, a familiar name in the Finnish black metal underground through his time in Morgal, Devil Moon, Kirous, and Sigon. But with this solo vehicle, he’s free to indulge every filthy whim. The result? A blast of blackened rock ‘n’ roll that flirts unapologetically with speed metal, horror punk, and sleazy hard rock.
To be clear, this is not an album that rewrites the rulebook. It’s not trying to. This is hard rock and thrash wrapped in a black metal vocal delivery, delivered with the snarl of ‘80s horror and the bite of DIY rebellion. Think early W.A.S.P. and Twisted Sister reimagined through a smoggy Helsinki squat, or Death SS set loose on a GISM binge. It’s a strange brew, but it goes down easier than you’d expect.
The record opens with “Into the Satan’s Den”, a throwaway instrumental that serves more as haunted house ambience than anything substantial. Fortunately, “Filth Metal Warriors” wastes no time redeeming things, a proper track with chugging riffs, militant pacing, and that wonderfully grimy Finnish black metal filth woven through it.
Track three, “Hellbound”, is an immediate standout. Slowing the pace, it channels a gloomy, gothic rock energy more in line with Wednesday 13 or The 69 Eyes. It’s moody, hook-driven, and twisted in just the right way, a surprisingly effective moment of brooding drama.
From there, the album leans into its raw, punk-inflected core. “Bloody Claws of Hatred”, “Rider of Devil’s Tongue”, and “Whipmaster” deliver razor-edged riffs with just enough melody to catch the ear while keeping the tone firmly anti-polish. The vocals, gurgled, shouted, spat, remain consistent throughout: depraved, pissed-off, and always just on the verge of total collapse.
“Too Fast for Life” is a pure injection of punk ‘n’ roll spirit with a true anthemic feel about it, the kind of song that’s probably more dangerous live than on record.
“Vomitose (Bite It)” is the final blow, oozing groove and slime in equal measure, all tremolo swagger and black-hearted lust. It’s a perfect finale to what is essentially a 27-minute descent into sleaze-drenched Satanic showmanship. That said, the album’s bookends (intro and lack of a proper outro) still feel like wasted opportunities. With a tighter frame, this could have hit even harder.
What’s striking is how confidently Mutant Sex Demon wears its influences. There’s no pretence of purity here. This is genre fusion in a grimy leather jacket: the speed and filth of blackened thrash, the excess of ‘80s sleaze, the sneer of street punk, and just enough sinister edge to keep it serious.
It’s not an album I’ll spin weekly, but I’m damn glad it exists. If you like horror films, leather jackets, serial killer riffs, and punky black metal that knows it’s ridiculous but still shreds, then this one’s for you. It’s addictive, or revolting. Probably both. And that’s exactly how it should be.
Rating: 7/10
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Label: Dominance of Darkness Records
Writer: Andy
Tracklist:
- Into the Satan’s Den
- Filth Metal Warriors
- Hellbound
- Bloody Claws of Hatred
- Rider of Devil’s Tongue
- Whipmaster
- Too Fast for Life
- Vomitose (Bite It)
