Into The Nethermost
Into The Nethermost describe themselves as ‘an attempt to escape from the abyssal tedium vitae of existence and explore the profoundest recesses of human nature through metal music in its varied forms, by mixing death, black metal and acoustic passages’ – which sounds interesting for sure. Formed out of the ‘logical transmutation’ of previous band Dark Awake, this Barcelona based band seem to tick all of the right boxes, but what of their debut album, Once Upon The Graveyard?
As things get started with The Gathering Darkness things sound dark for sure, immediately kicking off with thunder storm sound effects and rain before eerie vocals fully set the tone of what’s to follow. Acting as an intro track, the dark and foreboding sound continues to build, leading us closer to things with screaming, chains, and a real sense of horror tinged metal goodness. Leading into Nethermost things get going fully, launching onwards with roaring vocals and hammering guitar work over rolling drum lines, the power becoming immediately clear along with the all-out insanity. Powerful bass lines bolster the track, building on the already heavy mix and resulting in something more, something which is a strange mix of black and death metal, yet works exceptionally well. Even going so far as to add in some Iron Maiden style guitar work as an interim moment, this track certainly shows how the guys have set out to change things and offer up an unexpected and different sound.
Showing off the acoustic elements for the opening moments of The Faun and the Fury, things suddenly pull back from the distorted edge and usher in a more calm and laid back sound, sounding almost out of place against the heavy moments which led to it – but not for long. Soon resuming the all out power approach, this is a track which twists and turns throughout, keeping things interesting throughout and showing how different styles can be combined to result in a sound that’s heavy, powerful and yet melodic – definitely a high point on the record. Revenant doesn’t mess around with the soft intro, and once again we’re soon thrust into a death metal style break of heavy guitar work, pounding bass rhythms and solid drum work, all accompanied by guttural vocal roars. Alternating the pace once again, this track is further testament to a band who are trying to do something different, making what could be a boring sound interesting, and doing it damned well. This is another of my personal favourites from the album, there’s just something about it which makes me want to see whether they can pull it off live.
Moving through the acoustic openings of The Mortal Immortal and chunky power of title track Once Upon The Graveyard, track after track seems to showcase the ability of Into The Nethermost, showing how able they are as well as their understanding of the music they’re producing. It’s when Fallen From Grace comes about though that another high point is reached, chucking us straight into a melodic mix of roaring elements, all of which work together to form a sound that’s sure to have you reaching for the volume up button. Powerful drums work with distorted guitar lines to form a sound which is insanely heavy, yet somehow melodic and accessible at the same time – an accomplishment for sure. Different layers of vocals bolster the mix whilst we’re led along at break neck speed, the whole thing working well and letting you know that live, this is going to produce pits which will be quite simply insane.
Closing with Finis est Principium things close much as they began, with dark and eerie sound effects providing the final moments of the record, almost as if to lead into the follow up record, and leaving no doubt that Into The Nethermost are here to stay.
Into The Nethermost have put together an album here which does as they say it should do, breaks up the tedium of straight forward death metal and instead, offers up a sound which is diverse, interesting, and well accomplished. Throughout the record we’re shown their ability to play their instruments, as well as their ability to craft songs – something which is sure to stand them in good stead. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what they come up with next to see whether they follow the same conventions or whether there’s some progression – definitely a band to keep an eye on.
To find out more about Into The Nethermost, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As things get started with The Gathering Darkness things sound dark for sure, immediately kicking off with thunder storm sound effects and rain before eerie vocals fully set the tone of what’s to follow. Acting as an intro track, the dark and foreboding sound continues to build, leading us closer to things with screaming, chains, and a real sense of horror tinged metal goodness. Leading into Nethermost things get going fully, launching onwards with roaring vocals and hammering guitar work over rolling drum lines, the power becoming immediately clear along with the all-out insanity. Powerful bass lines bolster the track, building on the already heavy mix and resulting in something more, something which is a strange mix of black and death metal, yet works exceptionally well. Even going so far as to add in some Iron Maiden style guitar work as an interim moment, this track certainly shows how the guys have set out to change things and offer up an unexpected and different sound.
Showing off the acoustic elements for the opening moments of The Faun and the Fury, things suddenly pull back from the distorted edge and usher in a more calm and laid back sound, sounding almost out of place against the heavy moments which led to it – but not for long. Soon resuming the all out power approach, this is a track which twists and turns throughout, keeping things interesting throughout and showing how different styles can be combined to result in a sound that’s heavy, powerful and yet melodic – definitely a high point on the record. Revenant doesn’t mess around with the soft intro, and once again we’re soon thrust into a death metal style break of heavy guitar work, pounding bass rhythms and solid drum work, all accompanied by guttural vocal roars. Alternating the pace once again, this track is further testament to a band who are trying to do something different, making what could be a boring sound interesting, and doing it damned well. This is another of my personal favourites from the album, there’s just something about it which makes me want to see whether they can pull it off live.
Moving through the acoustic openings of The Mortal Immortal and chunky power of title track Once Upon The Graveyard, track after track seems to showcase the ability of Into The Nethermost, showing how able they are as well as their understanding of the music they’re producing. It’s when Fallen From Grace comes about though that another high point is reached, chucking us straight into a melodic mix of roaring elements, all of which work together to form a sound that’s sure to have you reaching for the volume up button. Powerful drums work with distorted guitar lines to form a sound which is insanely heavy, yet somehow melodic and accessible at the same time – an accomplishment for sure. Different layers of vocals bolster the mix whilst we’re led along at break neck speed, the whole thing working well and letting you know that live, this is going to produce pits which will be quite simply insane.
Closing with Finis est Principium things close much as they began, with dark and eerie sound effects providing the final moments of the record, almost as if to lead into the follow up record, and leaving no doubt that Into The Nethermost are here to stay.
Into The Nethermost have put together an album here which does as they say it should do, breaks up the tedium of straight forward death metal and instead, offers up a sound which is diverse, interesting, and well accomplished. Throughout the record we’re shown their ability to play their instruments, as well as their ability to craft songs – something which is sure to stand them in good stead. I’ll be looking forward to seeing what they come up with next to see whether they follow the same conventions or whether there’s some progression – definitely a band to keep an eye on.
To find out more about Into The Nethermost, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls