Ar-Caosaji

UK black metal mob Nahemia have been active for quite a few years, playing some impressive live shows and unleashing some very 90s sounding demos. Now their full length album is here via Misanthropic Assault Productions.

Thick bass guitars pluck into fruition to create a simplistic but daunting atmosphere, beginning the release with a ritualistic, doomy ambience. Chanted incantations and chiming bells bring an orthodox feeling to the record, continuing to draw out a very primal energy. Melodic riffs and hammering drums blast into a barrage of sonic warfare with piercing vocals, truly an impactful, traditional and hateful storm of traditional black metal. The cold, trebly shimmer of visceral extremity is obviously inspired by classic Scandinavian Black Metal from the 90s such as Gorgoroth, Marduk, 1349 and Tsjuder. There is a strong production delivering the ice-cold ferocity that isn’t polished nor is it exactly raw, sitting in the primitive lair that black metal tends to. The lyrics border on occultism, nihilism and misanthropy, a natural state for the genre with some interesting nuances from eastern culture emanating from the record too. It is obvious Nahemia has developed a lot since their demos.

Scathing riffs blending power chords and melodic lines top a relentless barrage of drums and entwine with Rimmon’s fearsome vocals. Ienal and Abdiel have a very melodious guitar-bass dual attack that is thunderous with Bil’s drumming being the musical foundation. Showing complexity and dexterous musicianship that is well-rehearsed and incredibly tight. While lacking some of the barbarity that can come from occasional mistakes, Nahemia is a well-honed machine of ferocity that will satisfy all 90s black metal lovers who yearn for a tighter result. Blistering and scolding with a malignant forcefulness, there is no doubting the passionate fire at the heart of their music and the impressive craftsmanship of the musicians. Songwriting borders on a blend of traditionalistic elements with some slight experimentation that gives the record a bit more unique flavour to it and a tough of Mgla and Craft thrown in for a good, grooving experience.

A long time in the works, I can say with confidence that Nahemia have made sure their first full length conjuration was one of strength and flawlessly tight execution. Perhaps there is room for a bit more personality to develop with their sound as its daunting array of extremism does touch upon familiar grounds, however this is a minor critique of an overall devastating album. The musicianship tends to fall into a high-tempo blast with tremolo riffs though some d-beats and phenomenal cymbal work breaks up any monotony with Bil’s delicate yet forceful drumming tying the band together remarkably well. While there is certainly a lot we will have all seen and heard before with the huge abundance of great black metal bands, Nahemia have a sincere and passionate approach that deserves respect.

A crushing first effort that is a refined and deadly display of black metal artillery. With perhaps some more experimentation there is boundless realms Nahemia could foray into and they have definitely carved their mark with this first step. Traditional black metal fans will certainly adore this blasphemous opus as will any whom prefer a tighter produced execution of the genre.

Written for www.nattskog.wordpress.com