Album review: Nexwomb – Exegesis of Nihility (Reissue 2020)

Nexwomb – Exegesis of Nihility

USA

Morbid Chapel Records (CD) / Nihilistic Noise Propaganda (Tape)

 

This is the first album from Oregon's Nexwomb, which embodies nothing and nothing less than pure Black/Death savagery spawned from the very depths of hell. The songs on this album can be characterized by its immensely cavernous production, complemented by a series of explosive and well-played riffs that keep you interested while constantly bombarding you with caveman violence from beginning to end. There is a hint of dissonance in the riffs that adds an extra layer of murk to the overall experience, while the drums constantly pound your skull with brute force. The vocals are so incredibly feral that you wonder if it's even a human and not some mutant cave beast behind the mic, though metal archives will confirm that it's a human who goes by the name Vardlokker and who is also behind killer projects like Witchbones and Conduit of Chaos. “Exegesis of Nihility” is an extremely ferocious pursuit of barbaric Black/Death that is both impossibly primal and viscerally enjoyable for those who dig this kind of stuff. Some idiots on the internet will attempt to sound lofty by calling this "caverncore", but you should never listen to them, because most of those who use these terms are usually self-absorbed hipsters who have nothing better to do than spout pseudo-intellectual nonsense on the internet all day. This is violent and bestial black/death metal. Simple as that. (HT)

EP review: The Incursion - SturmSiege (2020)

The Incursion – SturmSiege – EP – 2020

USA

Nihilistic Noise Propaganda

The Incursion delivers yet another ass-whopping release of utterly barbaric Black/Death entitled, “Sturmsiege”. This new EP beats the listener into submission from the get-go, featuring 5 tracks made up of hard-hitting double-bass, frenetic riffs, and heavily gutteral vocals. The atmosphere created by the band is truly oppressive and sets the tone, including their penchant for sick, dissonant riffs that makes the whole experience sound heavy as fuck. The members are all fairly adept at playing their instruments, particularly the drummer who seems to play at inhuman speeds, showing a great deal of virtuosity. (Reminder to the reader: it's not a drum machine.) The Incursion is spawned from the same abyss that gave birth to bands like Goatpenis, Amputator, and Baphomets Horns – so if you like that kind of intense Black/Death Metal sound, then by all means, check these guys out. Definitely a band to keep an eye out for. (HT)

https://nihilisticnoisepropaganda.com/album/sturmsiege

Split review: Blood Omen / Slege – Bathing In The Blood Of The Meek (2020)

Blood Omen / Slege – Bathing In The Blood Of The Meek

USA

Nihilistic Noise Propaganda

"Bathing In The Blood Of The Meek” is a black metal split between Blood Omen and Slege, both of whom hail from California. These bands are amply uncompromising in their craft and represent the heart and soul of the genre.

Blood Omen starts the split, offering 2 tracks of fierce and majestic Black Metal. This is the band's third release, so they already had some time to work on their music, hence the quality of the material. “Bloodsworn Legacy” is an epic 8-minute hymn featuring one of the best solos in a black metal song I've heard in a while. The blood-curdling vocals, along with their ability to write sick riffs, definitely makes them a noteworthy prospect. Blood Omen is the real deal and after hearing their side of the split, I've decided to check out the rest of their discography.

Slege's take on the genre is slightly different, although they embody the same murderous spirit. The atmosphere they evoke is powerful and reminds me of old Gorgoroth. The effects on the vocals are very well done and gives the music a very distinctive feel. “Their Heads On The Spikes Of Our Victory” is an absolute killer tune backed by some truly epic riffs and an amazing vocal performance full of emotion.

All in all, both bands are on the same page in terms of song-writing quality and show a natural capacity for depth; therefore, I cannot recommend this release enough. This is a great split.(HT)