Since the coming of Sludge Metal influences (again: the mix of slow tempos and filthy appeal of BLACK SABBATH on its prime with North American Hardcore Punk influences from acts as BLACK FLAG), an ample set of musical ideas was opened, and many are trying to use it to create something different and personal - while others are just relying on old cliches. But the appeal of “Astral Sands”, the fourth full-length of NOVARUPTA (a one-man band from Gothenburg, Sweden) seems to be depicting new ways for the genre. After gathering experience from many different Metal genres on CHILD, GRAND CADAVER, LET THEM HANG, THE MOTH GATHERER and MR. DEATH, Alex Stjernfeldt was able to put his own musical ideas into music itself, and tis 4th album depicts a melodic, deep and melancholic, filled with melodies, Progressive Rock elements in some parts (as heard on the clean parts of “Terraforming Celestial Bodies”), Gothic Rock and more influences from another elements. It’s different, and the only link with Sludge Metal genres seems to be the instrumental tunes (even when the band labeling itself as Blackened Sludge Metal). But’s different, and really very good. The sonority of “Astral Sands” is clean and defined to allow the songs to be heard and understood without great efforts, but with very good instrumental tunes. It’s not hard to check the inner core of the band’s music in such a way.

The intro “Ensamstående enastående” comes before a great set of songs, so be prepared by surprises when dealing with “Seven Collides” (a solid song filled with Sludge Metal traits and melodies inherited from Gothic Rock), “The Bullet Shines Before Impact”, “Endless Joy” (these two combines a Prog Rock/Gothic Rock set of traits that were usual on the middle 90s), “The Clay Keeps” (very good pianos parts, and strong bass playing and drumming as well), “Terraforming Celestial Bodies”, “Breathe Breathe”, “Cosmographia” (a long and heavier song, but again using a combination of Gothic Rock, Sludge Metal and Prog Rock melodic elements, witch charming guitars and vocals) and “Now We Are Here (At the Inevitable End)”.

“Astral Sands” is that kind of release that you can spin during a long travel to ease the stress. And NOVARUPTA is really a very good name.