NASTERGAL is a Black metal band that includes members from all over the world such as New Zealand and South Africa. The band is mainly composed of Jacques and Riaan but features the vocals of Evgen and Marco on bass for their first release Solitude. The band prides themselves on their unique take on Black metal as they hope it helps them stand out in what is already a heavily populated genre. The music and vocals are based on German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and the underlying belief that human values are created by humans and not any form of superior being. The music is an artistic form of frustration and self-realization within a world of deceit and ignorance.

"Solitude" opens the four-track EP in a blaze of fire with rapid drums and guitars that give the track an orchestral feeling. Tormented vocals drift over the music without being drowned out by their intensity. There is a form of gracefulness that is captured with a lot of Black metal and that can be felt and heard from this opening track. "Eternal Winter" begins with a static array of mysterious guitar picking that casts a darkened shadow over the song. The track ties a smooth transition between pace and high to low chord progressions that catch the feeling of winter isolation that can easily become haunting to many. The deepened howl that exists behind the music helps tie that effect into the song.

"Hermit" has a deep rumbling bass forged with a mounting double bass drum that sets the track into motion. There are small samples of backing vocals that have a cool presence when they are used but are limited in use throughout the song. I get a sense that the music could have been influenced by nature or the elements of the world in this track, the song itself has a very natural flow from beginning to end. "Beyond Good and Evil" is engulfed by what nightmares are made of. Though it is a dark journey through the eyes of fear and the frustration of mounting questions without answers, I believe the use of classical stringed instruments are available on these tracks and for this band in general going forward. The sound and force by the music is big but could take on a monumental form if given the chance. Like previously stated, this track creates a big wall of sound formulated by great drumming and guitar that is used to elevate the songs while keeping them surrounded in their dark form.

Lots of positives and possibilities within the release and strong songwriting will get the attention of any Black metal fans. The sound of the EP is great and is very well mixed. The music to me is not the full force of the incoming storm, but more of the darkened skies and the change of atmosphere prior to its arrival. I still believe that it can be elevated into a bigger beast, but I get a sense that these guys are in no hurry to change the format of their songwriting, and with this short but sweet release, they shouldn't be.