Nahum / Flaskavsae

Nahum and Flaskavsae. A unique pairing of 'unblack' metal hordes who are distinctly different yet compliment each other well. The problem with many split releases is that there is usually always one act that blows the other(s) off of the disc, but this one does not suffer that problem.

Nahum is a unique sounding mix of symphonic black metal. Their production is lo-fi, but also very clear with each instrument distinctly standing out in the mix. Nahum's sound is mostly fast, up-tempo standard black metal mixed with unique symphonics. But the drum work, vocals and keyboard work really stand out in their half of the record. The drums are very well performed with lots of fills and unique syncopated bashing. The vocals are a smeared black metal roar caked in echo and delay and the keyboards are a perfect compliment to the guitar work. The keyboard work at points make the music sound 'Roman' or Gladiator-esque, very epic and enveloping. A unique contrast to the blasting mayhem underneath them. Too bad Nahum never released anything after this release, it would have been interesting to see where their sound progressed to.

On to the second half of the disc, namely Flaskavsae. The three tracks he displays on the split are very reminiscent of the material on the 'Celestial' full-length or the later released 'Eclipse In Tides' EP. Fast, fuzzy and blasting (un) blackness with beautifully crafted melodies, roaring inhuman vocals and scattershot drum destruction. The Flask half of the split is extremely short (too bad) but a good ending to a unique split release. Nahum presents a more avant-garde and symphonic approach to black metal, while Flaskavsae comes straight for the jugular with old-school blast-ridden fury.

Good luck finding a copy of this split release as it has been sold out for almost 2 years now. But if you do find one, it is totally worth the time and money. A brilliant pairing of unique black metal projects who compliment each other as opposed to one stealing the limelight, while the other just sucks it up. Totally worth the investment!