date: 15 6 2008
It's been a long time since we rock and rolled', Nachtmystium seem to have said, and left the Black metal realms for a more approachable territory, less metal, but just as aggressive when it comes to the message conveyed. For those of you who don't know the band, they stood out in their USBM era, as well, but since they changed stle, they have become more of a cult band than ever.
I don't know how, but some bands with a history of anti-christian, spiteful and violent attitude seem to abandon it and take on a more detached approach. There is such a great difference (in quality) between "Instinct:Decay" and the former albums and the gap widens even more with "Worldfall" EP and "Assassins" (in style). It's not often that a BM band covers a stoner band - Goatsnake ("IV" on "Worldfall"), and it sounds so powerful and stoner-like, indeed.
Having said this, let's cover the basis of this album. Released by Century Media, acclaimed by supporters of their change in style, highly criticized by BM fans who preferred their raw, primitive early sound, "Assassins" is a step even further from the EP, as well. For "Assassins" is a bit more repetitive, more punkish, it brings on clean vocals and, most important, it's absolutely psychedelic.
The drumming is done by Tony Laureano (Acheron/Angelcorpse/1349/Belphegor/Nile/Dimmu Borgir), and it constitutes the backbone of the album. Repetitive guitar riffs sustain the rhythm, while, in the background, keyboards are employed to create atmosphere. Generally, the tempo is fast-paced, almost galloping ("Assassins", "Ghosts of Grace"). Vocals are half rasp, half clean, yelled; lyrics also repetitive; this album relies on attitude to gain listeners, much like groove metal. Some tracks maintain black metal reminiscences ("Your True Enemy", the Shining-esque "Omnivore"); while others simply experiment with styles (first two parts of "Seasick" are instrumental; parts II - employing saxophone - and III are also very very stoner, resembling the new Baroness. "Code Negative" is simply trippy and obviously guitar-oriented, as opposed to the first part of the album.
In conclusion, if you are looking for experiment, psychedelia, aggression (lyrical aggression still there; they're still Nachtmystium), although a bit shadowed by repetitiveness, all this with a black metal background, then "Assassins" is the album for you.
9/10
Samyaza
Label: Century Media
Tracklist:
One of These Nights
Assassins
Ghosts of Grace
Away from Light
Your True Enemy
Code Negative
Omnivore
Seasick, Part I: Drowned at Dusk
Seasick, Part II: Oceanborne
Seasick, Part III: Silent Sunrise
Line-up:
Blake Judd (Azentrius) - Guitars, Vocals
Jeff Wilson - Guitars
Tony Laureano - Drums
Zack Simmons - Live Drums
Jon Necromancer - Bass
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