The Great Dying
Nadir
Since the 90's, the Metal scene of Norway stepped out of obscurity and showed to be a cradle for many good names, and even from Metal genres that aren't related to Black Metal. It was the beginning, but this first coming influenced many bands from then to now. And NADIR, from Oslo, is one of them, as can be heard on "The Great Dying", Their main essence can be traced to Norwegian way of Black Metal, in the most classic sense of the genre (elements that can be heard on early works of MAYHEM, DARKTHRONE, EMPEROR and others are clear on their music). But it bears some elements from Sludge Metal as well, and even from Thrash Metal (as on the initial riffs of "Trishul"),and some technical elements inherited from Progressive Rock, and the outfit is dirty and nasty, but organic and full of energy. Yes, it's really good.
The sound quality of "The Great Dying" is nasty, trying to be the most simple and organic that it could be. It's truly nasty, crude and aggressive, but not in a way that their songs' expressions could be harmed. Obviously that it could be better in many ways, but's not bad at all. The four songs of "The Great Dying" are fine examples that the band has a lot to offer. On "The Great Dying", many of the early essence of Norwegian Black Metal can be heard, with a simple and sharp technical approach, but with heavy guitar riffs and nasty screams (different from the usual shrieks). On "Trishul", many nasty Thrash Metal guitar riffs influenced by SLAYER can be heard, but the technical approach on bass guitar and drums creates a technical rhythmic work, even on the fast Black Metal parts. "Tungetale" begins with a neckbreaking speed, but there are nasty ambiances created by guitars, and a perfect instrumental basis for the vocals to evolve. And "The Wasteland of Man" is another song with fast moments with slower Sludge parts, with that funereal feeling that can bind the extreme Metal fans.
Yes, these songs of "The Great Dying" show that NADIR can become a relevant and great name into Norwegian scene soon. It's a matter of time, of adjusting some elements, and to have a better producer to help them to build a better sonority on the next time.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The Great Dying" Track-listing:
1. The Great Dying
2. Trishul
3. Tungetale
4. The Wasteland of Man
Nadir Lineup:
Ole Wik - Guitars, Vocals
Magnus Wiig - Guitar
Robert Vawter - Bass
Jonas Bengtson - Drums
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