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vote
7.5
- Bands:
NOCTURNUS AD - Duration: 00:50:00
- Available from: 05/17/2024
- Label:
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Profound Lore
Streaming not yet available
The reference to the past is always present in Nocturnus AD's sound. And the Americans prove once again that their legendary sound is by no means a forgotten relic, but rather a common thread that runs through generations of (death) metal fans. Their latest album, “Unicursal”, stands out as the logical successor to “Paradox”, dating back five years ago, both in terms of style and sound performance. However, a subtle but evident change is noticeable from the first tracks. The rhythms and general development of the themes seem less frenetic than they once did, perhaps a natural reflection of the aging of the musicians, especially drummer and singer Mike Browning. That said, this slight decrease in average speed doesn't detract much from the power and depth of the Nocturnus AD's sound. Indeed, it allows the riffs and atmospheres to breathe in a broader and more articulated way. Songs like “Mesolithic” or the more grim “Yesod, the Darkside of the Moon” are exemplary in this sense, with a melodic breath that captures the listener in a vortex of evocative suggestions, highlighting an agility and airiness that until now had never been explored with such transport.
In any case, from the first notes of the opener “The Ascension Throne of Osiris”, you can enjoy a nostalgia effect by listening to the sci-fi atmospheres and the keyboard drones with airy sounds, under which an insinuating, incisive but precisely never over the top. As already underlined at the time of “Paradox”, the guitar work cannot boast the same ingenuity as that of records like “The Key” and “Thresholds”, but, as a whole, the songwriting works masterfully, with circular structures and a succession of melodies that still manage to bring us back to those Nocturnus “cosmic death metal couriers” from over thirty years ago.
A point of discussion could instead be the repetitiveness of the vocal metrics throughout the album: it is undeniable that this may derive from the dual responsibility of the now sixty-year-old Browning, who, as is known, not only guides the rhythm on the drums but also takes care of the voice. However, this should not obscure the fact that his ability to maintain the energy and intensity of performances remains remarkable.
The keyboard continues to be a distinctive element of the proposal, even if some phrasings may sound a little dated. However, it is precisely this retro touch that helps make the band so recognisable. After all, we are faced with a lineup that has its roots firmly in the late Eighties and early Nineties, and what enthusiasts or so-called die-hard fans expect is not so much innovation, but rather the confirmation of a characteristic sound corroborated by an inspiration worthy of the name.
Nocturnus AD's trademark 'keyboard' death metal thankfully remains compelling precisely because it is carefully measured. The keyboards never overpower the other instruments, but rather intertwine with the guitar and the rhythm section in a harmonic way, creating a layered and engaging sound carpet.
All things considered, “Unicursal” is, in short, another precious piece in the path of Nocturnus AD in this last part of their career. While maintaining their sound identity, the band proves to still be able to offer something fresh and engaging, thanks to a few but effective tricks in structure and interpretation. The band's sound, although rooted in the past, continues to resonate with a respectable vitality and energy, for a final result that will surely make many early fans prick up their ears.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM