MAAHES is a Black Metal band from Germany that was formed about 10 years ago. To date, the have released an EP, and one full-length. "Nechacha" is their sophomore album, and it has eight songs. "Magic Slave" is first. The main riff that enters is discernable, but also evil sounding, and the band opts out of that infamous wall of sound that you often here in the genre. The vocals bite with deep fangs, and the entire song has a noted harrowing quality to it. The piano notes after the halfway mark suggest a band that is not afraid of offering other sounds within their music. "The Resurrection" has a steadier sound that is still very much steeped in darkness and evil. The vocals are cadenced at times, and more free flowing at others, and there is a nice, slow, atmospheric section as well.

"Morbid Love" is thicker and faster, and more aptly described as what you might expect out of the Black Metal genre. Still very frightening and evil sounding, the band moves the darkness into a huge cloud looming on the horizon. "Cult of the Sun" brings more power to the table, from the towering riffs to the tortured vocals. There is some variation in both the pace, and the key of the song, and the band shows some real talent in making these shifts seamless. "The Crown and the Sceptre" further diversifies some of the album here, with a dark, tense entrance. It blasts forward like a fire and then retreats again, and the band shows great restraint in holding in back when they want to.

"Keeper of Secrets" is the last full song, minus the outro called "Obsidian." In addition to depressive riffs, it also sports some "bells" along with it to create a somber melody. Animated bass notes also come into play, and they support the sound well. "Obsidian" is just a great way to end the album…to fan some of the flames, with clean guitars. This was a strong album. It kept true to the Black Metal roots, but also was not afraid to explore other supplemental sound, or even flex its muscles when needed. Musicianship can be very strong in this genre indeed, and MAAHES showed that in "Nechacha."