NATTMAN comes to us from Norway bearing the weight of the Black Metal legacy so deeply rooted in that region. Here is NATTMAN in numbers: the band formed 2022; there have two members (Nedrig and Raate), they have released two EPs (both in 2023), and each EP has exactly three tracks. They are still unsigned, though that probably won't be for long. Their second EP, "I Uvigslet Mark," dropped on July 15, 2023. It picks where "Udaad" (their first EP) left off. No one would flinch if they were conjoined on one LP-like protracted, demonic twins.

This is classic Norwegian Black Metal. Bleak misanthropic themes delivered with infernal growls, grayscale tremolo, furious blast beats, and a mostly de-emphasized bass (though there are notable exceptions). Adding to the traditional aesthetic are synth flourishes and a variety of field recordings. On the central track, "Efter De Gloende Tneger," the band gets positively Doom if not Goth with the bass pulled back into range, the tempo slowed to swamp proportions, and melodic harmonies replacing the discord of the previous track ("Baal og Brann"). Easily the best track on the short album.

Thematically its death, venom, and grim vengeance. The lyrics themselves are characteristically overinflated, painting darkly melodramatic narratives. For me it helps that they're in Norwegian as it adds to the mystique . . . which, to be honest, may not be there if I could actually understand them. It also helps that they're cloaked in the shadows of guttural, demonic vocals.

I should mention that the album covers for both EPs are sheer Black Metal perfection. Not sure who gets the credit there, but they are absolutely haunting. Also, for the spoken word parts, the band returns to Niels who provided similar support on the "Udaad."

Altogether, NATTMAN is unlikely to win any awards for innovation, but they are consistent, and they are quite good. They have maintained their momentum since their first EP-even though it has only been a scant four months between releases. Still, well done. For a band that parses their releases fairly rapidly, it's probably not premature to say that I'm looking forward to their next release.