NACHTMYSTIUM „“Assassins: Black Meddle Pt. 1””

Country: U.S.A.
Music: Experimental/Progressive Black Metal
Web site: www.myspace.com/nachtmystium
Cool songs: Assassins, Omnivore, Seasick Parts 1-3

Chicago, Illinois outfit NACHTMYSTIUM first emerged onto the extreme metal scene in the beginning of this decade. The group originally released harsh black metal through underground labels such as Autopsy Kitchen and Battle Kommand. With their 2006 release “Instinct: Decay” the group moved into progressive and experimental territories, while never truly turning their back on their black metal roots. “Assassins: Black Meddle Pt. 1,” the newest NACHTMYSTIUM release, continues the experimental theme.

“One of These Nights” opens the album with the sound of angry winds and subtle beeps. The winds continue throughout this instrumental, although as a backdrop to the chugging, BLACK SABBATH “Children of the Grave” meets SATYRICON sort of rhythm. This rhythm bleeds into the next track “Assassins.” The said track kick starts the album with steady drum pounds by new drummer Tony Laureano (DIMMU BORGIR, ANGELCORPSE, NILE) and icy black metal riffing. Blake Judd’s gruesome shrieks contain a distant vocal effect, but he switches to a more organic voice for the choral lines. He combines his voice with Zion Meagher in epic unison during these parts. Midway through the track, the group goes into jam mode accompanied by the same type of windy noise that comprised the previous track.

The windy noise that the group reintroduces takes over the end of “Assassins,” morphing into a pulsing, extra terrestrial din. Some tracks like “Away from the Light” consists of pure noise experimentation of a similar quality to the end of “Assassins.” The following track, “Your True Enemy,” shows NACHTMYSTIUM return to their black metal foundation. Judd pulls out his scary black metal vox, both guitarists punctuate the end of their riffs with a memorable high end slide, and Laureano beats his drums as if they are his enemy. He tackles his drum kit with extreme aggression on “Omnivore.” The three parts of “Seasick” mix guitar effects and melodies with jazzy jams. Of particular note are the bluesy guitar solos and saxophone.

Saying “Assassins” Black Meddle Pt. 1” is not your typical black metal album is a major understatement. While one could identify NACHTMYSTIUM through the black metal passages that emerge throughout the album, none of the songs sound the same, yet at the same time there is a connecting thread that runs through the duration of the album.

NACHTMYSTIUM has become one of the more talked about U.S.B.M. bands. This group was not as noticeable before the release of “Instinct: Decay,” so the additional experimentation must be of some appeal to listeners. Their signing to Century Media Records and upcoming tour with OPETH should help this group break out in a major way.

note: 9/10

Tracklist

1. One of These Nights (intro)
2. Assassins
3. Ghosts of Grace
4. Away From Light
5. Your True Enemy
6. Code Negative
7. Omnivore
8. Seasick Part I: Drowned at Dusk
9. Seasick Part II: Oceanborne
10. Seasick Part III: Silent Sunrise
Total playing time 45:05

Line-up

Blake Judd-Lead Guitars, Vocals
Jeff Wilson-Rhythm Guitar
Zion Meagher-Bass, Backing Vocals
Sanford Parker-Moog and Effects
Tony Laureano-Drums