The Antagonist

Nevaloth are often categorized as a technical black metal band and I won't largely disagree with this characterization. However, the kaleidoscope of sounds created by the very talented act from Zvolen, Slovakia in their second full-length album "The Antagonist" doesn't belong entirely to one music genre. Nevaloth's debut album "La Diabolica Commedia" had been a very promising release as it featured a five-piece atmospheric black metal band that was characterized by the use of many innovative and avant-garde elements. But as for many debuts Nevaloth's first attempt suffered from a specific weakness: although most of the songs were quite complex, they seemed as if were written based on the same formula.

However, in "The Antagonist" this is not the case at all as the band has rapidly evolved, taking their music one step (or more) further. The atmosphere and the melody are still present, but now lots of elements and influences from various musical styles add to the mix to create a true masterpiece. And when I am referring to various musical styles I am not only implying musical styles related to metal music. The band creates an amazing amalgam of sounds by combining 2nd wave black metal with technical death metal influences, with 70's progressive and psychedelic rock influences, with symphonic black metal influences, or even 90's hard rock music.

By now you may rightfully wonder what is the purpose of listening to a band that reminds you tons of other bands? But if you think that Nevaloth are just a copycat you are terribly mistaken as they manage to blend successfully all the aforementioned influences into a homogeneous body glued together by the omnipotent dark atmosphere that bears the signature of the band. However, most of "The Antagonist" tracks are so multidimensional and diverse that will take the listener quite a few listens to fully grasp the complexity of the music they create. But complexity in Nevaloth's vocabulary doesn't mean at all music "void of content". On the contrary, Nevaloth's music is meaningful and full of emotions. Combined with the philosophic lyrics the band has succeeded in creating a profound work of art.

Nevertheless, all who expect to listen in "The Antagonist" a direct black metal album will be heavily disappointed and I bet that they will be put off as soon as they start to listen the first songs of the album. On the other hand, the ones that attempt to grasp the depth of Nevaloth's music will be highly rewarded. To put it in a nutshell, this album is a powerful and addictive beast that will grow on you. This is indeed one of the most challenging and intriguing albums that I have ever listened to in general and I highly recommend it to any lovers of pure, uncompromising music. Personally, I am waiting with anticipation their next endeavor, enjoying in the meantime, this utter masterpiece of organized chaos transliterated into music.