Nachtmystium - Assassins: Black Meddle Part IBand Origin: Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Genre: Black Metal / Psychedelic Rock
Label: Century Media
Running Time: 45 minutes
Release Date: June 10, 2008
Best Part: Seasick Parts I-III
Favorite Tracks: Omnivore, Ghosts of Grace, Your True Enemy, and Assassins
Grade: 3.5
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Assassins: Black Meddle Part I in 20 words or less:
It's Black Metal - on Acid.
The Band:
Nachtmystium are a five member band playing out of Illinois who have a style and sound which is rather unique - because they play whatever they want. Black metal standards comprise the base of Nachtmystium's work: the shrieked vocals, distorted guitars, raw production values, blast beats and fast tempo. Where they differ from all other bands in the genre is how they incorporate various experimental styles and psychedelic rock - Sort of a Darkthrone meets Pink Floyd. This is most audible on their last two records, where these styles 'meddle' with the black metal ambiance created by the band, hence the Black Meddle title. Their most recent album Addicts has tread more towards psychedelic rock but still maintaining a core black metal feel.
Nachtmystium's other releases include: Reign of the Malicious (2002), Demise (2004), Instinct: Decay (2006), and Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II (2010)
Jay's Take on Assassins: Black Meddle Part I:
Anyone who is a fan of Pink Floyd will understand how they are a big influence on their music. The title track to Assassins, One of These Nights, is throwback to the title track One of These Days from Pink Floyd's Meddle. Assassins: Black Meddle Part I arrive at a point where Nachtmystium begins shifting further from their black metal core sound by implementing more experimental and psychedlic/post-rock into their music. Blake Judd, co-founder and remaining original member of Nachtmystium continues to provide strong lead vocals throughout the record, ranging from dark, cryptic whispers, to the patented black metal shrieking of ages past. The guitar work, when it is not set to high paced tremolo picking, emphasizes the 'blackadelia' feel the band aims for with slow classic rock style solos. Paired with the increased use of synths, it alters the atmosphere of the record - making it even gloomier and mystic than anticipated. The best example of this can be found in their three part instrumental closing tracks Seasick. This is a trait that has carried over heavily onto their most recent record, and will most likely be ever present on Part III which the band is also currently producing. Assassins: Black Meddle Part I is a great record for anyone who enjoys black metal and experimental metal, as Nachtmystium provides a great fusion of each of its elements, creating a unique listening experience.
Sample of the Day:
- J
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