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Maha Kali: The defiant return of one of the metal scene's shining stars...

Having overdosed slightly on metal in September last year, I feel I die a little inside when presented with a press sheet bearing the words 'Swedish', 'death' and 'metal' in one sentence. But this is what makes it so good to see such stunning talent in a band after my cynical glance over the press sheet. As you have possibly already guessed, my heart does not lie with death metal. I can appreciate the talent needed to pull it off, but it takes a band as good as Dissection for me to sit up and pay attention and truly listen to what they have to say.

Sure, 'Maha Kali' is black and it certainly is metal- it sports the type of drum beat that can't be possible unless you’re under the influence of drugs- but it displays something else. There's intelligence here and the understanding that brutal wound inflicting music doesn't always have to be full-on rage. Even the subject matter of Dissection’s latest single is unusual- what was the last song you heard about the Hindu mother goddess of Mahapralya? (try saying that after a pint or two!)

Having only just been released from prison after being convicted of being an accomplice to murder in 1997, the leader of this troupe, Jon Nödtveidt is clear that he wants Dissection to be back on top again where they rightly belong. Dissection are a pack of sick little puppies who know just what they're after. Their eyes are on the prize and whoever stands in their way will not last long.