Noctis Imperium - Nihil
Noctis Imperium are a black metal band from Venezeula who offer fans their third EP, 'Nihil.' Thankfully, the name doesn't reflect the music as raw, dismal and dissonant black metal. Noctis are actually very creative while dismal and raw at the same time. The album begins with the brief ambiant "Ra-hoor-khuit" before delving into "Descensus ad inferos." It is pretty typical black metal full of tremolo pickings and evil shriekings, with bits of catchy rhythms. It is the drums on this EP that really grab the listener's attention- they are furious but also very clean, and there is a reason for this. Nick Barker of Dimmu Borgir fame amongst other bands is the drummer-for-hire on this and his work is perfect for the band; hopefully they'll keep him as a steady drummer. Just listen to his work near the end on "Maze Of Torment;" one cannot sound much clearer and ferocious than that.The guitars are also interesting the way they are used in their sliding techniques to create almost an industrial feel to the music, but it is miniscule.
"Bring Me Sacrifice" is a highly energized track, but also the most generic, save for the guitar solo. Thankfully there's "Unus In Nihil" where things slow down a bit and the guitars offer some depressive melodic bits, amongst layered vocals, before going for an ambient outro similar to how the album began, but much more symphonic despite the hissing distortion. The last two tracks featured are live ones. The first is from an earlier EP and features some great quality sound. The guitars sound crisp and the only thing that would really give it away is the way the vocals echo, like they're in a closed concrete room. The other track is a live version of "Maze Of Torment" and has a much more 'live' feel due to the faded sound of the instruments altogether. Sadly, the song feels more rushed than the original, but the drums still sound like perhaps Barker is behind the kit. Plus the interaction with the crowd is always a sure sign.
Considering three great EPs, it is a wonder this band hasn't gotten their full length out. They're certainly seasoned enough and have Abyss records under their belt. Sadly if they lose Nick Barker they may go downhill in sound, but between the vocals and guitars, Noctis have a great rap going for them. Definitely evil and powerful without being too raw and typical, along the lines of 1349 and Emperor (minus the keyboards).
"Bring Me Sacrifice" is a highly energized track, but also the most generic, save for the guitar solo. Thankfully there's "Unus In Nihil" where things slow down a bit and the guitars offer some depressive melodic bits, amongst layered vocals, before going for an ambient outro similar to how the album began, but much more symphonic despite the hissing distortion. The last two tracks featured are live ones. The first is from an earlier EP and features some great quality sound. The guitars sound crisp and the only thing that would really give it away is the way the vocals echo, like they're in a closed concrete room. The other track is a live version of "Maze Of Torment" and has a much more 'live' feel due to the faded sound of the instruments altogether. Sadly, the song feels more rushed than the original, but the drums still sound like perhaps Barker is behind the kit. Plus the interaction with the crowd is always a sure sign.
Considering three great EPs, it is a wonder this band hasn't gotten their full length out. They're certainly seasoned enough and have Abyss records under their belt. Sadly if they lose Nick Barker they may go downhill in sound, but between the vocals and guitars, Noctis have a great rap going for them. Definitely evil and powerful without being too raw and typical, along the lines of 1349 and Emperor (minus the keyboards).
- Ra-hoor-khuit
- Descensus ad inferos
- Bring Me Sacrifice
- Noctis Imperium
- Maze Of Torment
- Unus in Nihil
- Through fire and cosmos (live)
- Maze of torment (live)
Abyss Records
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
Dec 15, 2010
Dec 15, 2010
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