Metal maniacs, rejoice! The Thrasher returns to present to you, NEAR; signed via DE TENEBRARUM PRINCIPIO, hailing from Italian grounds - performing Black Metal, and on their 2^nd sophomore album entitled: "Our Sun".

Since formation in 2002, the quintet in question has only 1 album behind them; "The Opening Of The Primordial Whirl" (released in 2010) - 6 years later, this here record: "Our Sun" (released on May 7^th, 2016) acquaints with myself. Black Metal...a sub-genre that is most certainly an acquired taste; taking myself a very good while to appreciate and open my mind up to, I, in time, eventually gave it a chance and was compelled to dive into the raw enriches of it. NEAR excels at an atmospheric experience that emotionally captivates you into a void of harmonic melodies in which totally differentiates from other sub-genres indefinitely. The balance of musical originality here is uncanny to the Metal community; it takes a well-talented individual to provide a unique slab of unprecedented Metal, and said band solidify themselves in prominent expertise - showcasing a stunning display of distinctive characteristics at their disposal.

Consisting of F. Polninus on vocals/guitars, profusely offers guttural growls and screams of death in which showcases an agonizing blend suitable for this genre, on top of complex riffery of rhythmic and atmospheric proportions. Raw material is exemplary satisfying from the powerhouse of Fredrik on drums and Ferghus on bass; both excel with dexterity in their contributions, showcasing efficient flair for a dynamic experience. Though throughout my first listen, while the musicianship was filled with dynamism...instrumentally a little bit grueling, however, I believe that's Black Metal's intention - to fulfill an incentive of the atavism from the mastermind at work. Aesthetically appealing is the attention to detail at creating sufficient atmospherics and supplying just an absolute raw blend of excruciating craftsmanship. 6 extensive tracks ranging at around 39:42, I am compelled to say that you're in for an unprecedented journey.

"Old Springs Of Astral Matter" opens up the album with surprising effects; delivering prompt Black Metal atmospheric characteristics and has an astonishing, albeit grueling engagement on an emotional background full of twists and turns. The musicianship keeps ascending with "Invoking The Night", "The Weight Of Life" & "The Hidden Side Of Mankind"; all songs keep an unparalleled distinctive of a solid and raw songwriting perspective, as well as balancing the aforementioned to deliver a dynamic experience ultimately. 2 more songs end the record with satisfactory results with "The Eyes Of The Ancient Trees" and "The Eternal Light Of Illusion"; while fulfilling, the extremity of the sound production may come off as grueling...but in hindsight, all is an intriguing display of showmanship from all members contributing excellence to the Black Metal community, overall - worth checking out for veterans and newbies alike.<