I Am The Serpent
(Sol Records)
36:34min
Black Metal. This subgenre has been evolving since its genesis in the early / mid 80s and had a furious entrance into the underground in the early 90s, when it finally developed an identity and (what some may call) a characteristic sound. Since then it has developed into many different subgenres. And even if there has been countless bands that try to encompass many of these branches, some bands do one thing and they do it right. German duo NIGRIS TENEBRIS’ debut, “I Am The Serpent” is deeply rooted in that characteristic sound. The album flows nicely, since it is not a blast beat fest. That differentiates these songs. The constant variation makes each one have a personality of its own. Both musicians, Noxathra (all instruments) and Maldoror (vocals) showcase how well versed they are in the style they chose to play. The tremolo riffing, the constant pounding, the blood curdling vocals all sum up into making their debut album a perfect example of extreme music done really well. “I Am The Serpent” has a raw production, not too far away from some of the referencing bands of the subgenre from the early 90s. The mix is nicely done, prioritizing the overwhelming tremolo riffs and the excellent and harsh vocals over the bass guitar and the drums, which I think are pushed a tad back. The mastering has enough dynamics to allow the haunting and eerie melodic passages to shine over the full on assault of the faster parts. The grimness, the gloominess and the darkness are there. The atmosphere is there. Everything checks. NIGRUM TENEBRIS’ “I Am The Serpent” is not exactly what you would call innovative, but one solid and ravaging slab of Black Metal played the way it is supposed to be played. Support the band at www.facebook.com/nigrumtenebrisblackmetal and get their record from the label here: www.deviant-records.de, https://soldeviantrecords.bandcamp.com
Alfonso Perez