Nämïdäë

Once again Öxxö Xööx takes us on an epic journey through a sonic forest of blistering euphoria as we are guided by the chants, screams, growls, and melodic singing of Laurent Lunoir and Laure Le Prenunec. Now armed with Isarnos, a very talented drummer, Öxxö Xööx delivers some of the most powerful music one can hear.

What kind of music is this exactly?

Öxxö Xööx wraps experimental baroque in avant-garde doom metal while we are left to watch this madness take place in a dark gothic cathedral. What can we expect to find in such a dark place? Well, we are surrounded by a choir which sound as if their voices cause the mountains to crumble. There are also organs which let the dark fog of the night create a haunting atmosphere. Through the dense layers of ethereal bliss submerging our eardrums we find a harpsichord in the midst and drums which dance to an ultra-mundane rhythm.

Öxxö Xööx has brought some of the most technically sublime and melodically proficient music any metal site could wish to review. Laurent's vocal range is untouchable, I only wish I knew exactly how many octaves his voice has traveled. Rïcïnn (aka Laure Le Prenunec) brings added power and energy with voice that is unparalleled as a baroque singer. She even brings her devilish chants to paint on the canvas. Isarnos delivers some extremely technical drumming to create a truly unique sound.

How avant-garde is it exactly?

Nämïdäë breaks free from the shackles of typical music by bringing many rare things to the table. First off the music of Öxxö Xööx is sung in an invented language which gives them a one-of-a-kind sound. Secondly, Öxxö Xööx does not employ couplets, a cadence, or a refrain. Thirdly, the time-signatures seem to be inspired by the notebook of David Hilbert himself as they are as irregular as can possibly be, which only enhance the beautiful song structure. All of these things give this album such a refreshing experience. This is the type of album which seems like one single symphony rather than nine individual songs.

Laurent Lunoir has done it again. Nämïdäë is simply a beautiful album from beginning to end and I believe fully deserving of a perfect rating. I highly recommend this album. Favorite songs: Ländäë, Dä ï lün, Äbÿm, and Dälëïth (yes 4, I could choose as many as I want).