NICODEMUS „Vanity Is A Virtue”

Music: Heavy/Progressive metal
Website: http://www.nicodemus.us
Duration: 51:41 (7 songs)
Cool Songs: Next in Nocturne, Pyramidion

Nicodemus is a very unique band. They were formed in late 1998 and released 2 albums in melodic black metal and now we have their brand new release here. But if you think that “Vanity Is A Virtue” is another black metal release then you are wrong! Nicodemus decided to change their style and they are into progressive metal with many atmospheric parts now. There are many bands that have changed their style during the years but only a few have kept their original name after such a great change.

These guys from USA seem to have another approach for how progressive music should be played. Technical parts, virtuoso solos and the exposure of their skills isn’t their main goal. They composed 7 long tracks in which they tried to make us known their personal sound. The vocals are very good which is very important for bands of this style. The songs are mid tempo in general and even if they are long they are not tiring. But this is tricky at the same time as they are not hits and after some listenings you may not remember them. What I like a lot in “Vanity Is A Virtue” is the atmospheric feeling of this release. And I think their experience as a black metal band helped them a lot as they know how to create an atmosphere. I am really curious to listen to their previous releases in order to be able to get some things of this album better.

Fans of progressive metal should check this album out but I think that other listeners will find it a good one as I did. Progressive music with a non progressive approach. Interesting…

note: 08/10

Tracklist

1. Benighted
2. Next in Nocturne
3. Negative Ions
4. Pyramidion
5. A Metaphysical Theory of Dynamics
6. Reason & Relapse
7. …and It Becomes You

Line-up

Christopher Morris – Vocals & Bass
Matthew McGee – Guitar
Andrew Greene – Drums
Kirk Wagner – Keyboards
Dave Peters – Guitar