From the Netherlands and formed in 2004, SHYMAGOGHNAR is an Atmospheric Black Metal band that always thrives on opposites. Their songs balance between rough soundscapes, pure melancholy and destruction. Atmospheric black metal and raw vocals meet progressive guitar melodies that are deeply rooted in melodic death metal, creating a rather melancholic yet playful setup that deals with the themes of our existence.” The album has 10 songs.

“I Hear the Mountain Weep” is first. It eases in, with clean guitars that give it a solemn tone. Keyboards accompany the distorted riff, along with thick bass guitar notes. The pace begins to quicken, as more layers of sound are added. This is a majestic sounding song, and I picture great mountain spires rising above the clouds. “Follow the River” is one of the singles released on the album. The instrumentation strikes me first…it is complex but also follows a single melody line, and piano accompanies key changes that are worked in with the harsh vocals. “Threshold” has a thicker sound and a faster pace. As a composer, Nimblkorg is as adept at the instruments as he is at the vocals.

“Strata” has a MeloDeath quality to it and the lines can often be blurred from Black Metal to MeloDeath, especially if the composer is high on melody. “Gardens of the Erased” has a heavy electronic hand, and delicate melodies. Is there anything that Nimblkorg is not able to do? The combination of keyboards and electronics with dark elements makes for a diverse and interesting listening experience. It mellows towards the end. “Egregore” has a darker and more ominous sound. The instruments work very well together in this synergy that few composers are able to achieve.

“Ignition” is the seemingly magical point where an engine kicks over and starts. Smoke bellows from the tailpipes and you can hear the car roar with just a few depressions of the gas pedal. That is the kind of energy and feeling I get when I play this song…it’s almost dangerous. At the same time, he achieves a level of calmness that smooths out the rough edges. “Convergence” has darker and more aggressive strokes, with snarly harsh vocals and some undertones of melody. The cloudier side of the song is very strong. “The Sea” is as mysterious as its namesake. An acoustic lead in is followed by Folky elements and an almost jovial sound. It grows with might and power from there, reaching a climax just before the end. It feels like a journey to me.

“Becoming” closes the album. The storm has subsided, and it will pass. Ominous keyboards litter the landscape, and the skies open back up to magnanimous sound, to hues of orange and pink. All feels right in the world. Overall, this album felt like a journey through the cosmos for me. It’s amazing that this was composed by one person, because it is meticulous in its approach. Every note was in the right place, every pause, and every turn. This is one Black Metal release this year that has something for everyone.