Assassins: Black Meddle Pt 1

Nachtmystium - Assassins: Black Meddle Pt 1

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CD Details

Artist: Nachtmystium
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2008-06-10
Music Label: Century Media
Soundtracks:

One of These Nights
Assassins
Ghosts of Grace
Away From the Light
Your True Enemy
Code Negative
Omnivore
Seasick (Part 1: Drowned At Dusk)
Seasick (Part 2: Oceanborne)
Seasick (Part 3: Silent Sunrise)

Music reviews of Assassins: Black Meddle Pt 1

Music Review: Paradoxical Black Metal + Psychedelia = "Black Meddle"
Rating: 5 Stars

Following their venture into Psychedelic metal, Nachtmystium has returned to the frontiers of the unknown with their 2008 release, "Assassins: Black Meddle, pt 1". The album represents front man Blake Judd's latest musical innovations, which takes the 1970s-esque works of Pink Floyd and bravely contemporizing it with elements of black metal. While accomplishing this successfully, Judd has insisted that Nachtmystium is no longer a black metal band, and insists that they have moved on to other genres. Nonetheless, the album is still a good display of musicianship, which captivates the listener in voids of "Blackadelia".

First and foremost, I need to give major props to veteran drummer Tony Laureano, who turned a mediocre album into an exceptional one by varying his drumming techniques and fully complementing, if not driving, certain parts of album. "Assassins" forte is its intricate and distinct sound. The band's previous critically acclimated album, "Instinct: Decay", used a similar formula to submerge the listener in layers upon layers of sound. "Assassins" uses the same element, but clarifies them to the point there the listener can distinctly dissect the sound. For example, the track "Ghosts of Grace" contains a motif of haunting guitar overtones, while delicately splicing in space-bound sound effects into the mix. The effort is done seamlessly, as two sound blend perfectly together.

"Assassins" is further defined from the Nachtmystium's other work by including more distinct tracks that can be distinguished from one in another. The track "Seasick, Pt2: Oceanborne" opens with inter galactic noises accompanied by an up-beat and peppy tempo, and then breaks off to introduce an elaborate Saxophone interlude. "True Enemy" is defined by jagged and wrathful vocals that embody feelings of malevolence and revenge. The album's musicianship is by far a major upgrade from "Instinct: Decay", partially because the guitar tracks use less distortion and warmer sound that reminisce the band's sound of "Eulogy IV". The choice of special effects and productions is a tad bit overused, but perfectly establishes a darkened and existential presence in the listeners mind.

"Assassins" is definitely worth buying; its stylings represent a landmark for in Nachtmystium's history, and show signs that the band has matured. Forget the tremolo picking, repetitive blast-beats, cold, low-fi production, and corpse paint; Nachtmystium has once again defied the black metal scene to create something innovative and bold that actually demonstrates true musicianship. My only complaint on the album is that it is too short; for a progressive piece, I wished the album included a few more tracks. Hopefully, the album's sequel is not far away. I recommend "Assassins" to anyone who is interested in contemporary psychedelic and progressive rock, or newcomers looking for something "dark", but yet complex.

Final Score 4.5/5 stars.

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