Wednesday, January 18, 2017

EP Review: NORÐ Alpha

NORÐ
Alpha
Inverse Records
From Odense, Denmark, NORÐ plays melodic progressive metal with rock influences and occasional growled vocals. Their delivery is powered by highly energetic compositions and melancholic soundscapes. A unique style of heavy music with a variety of influences is present spanning many genres. Lyrically, themes centre upon a dystopian universe with contempt for human decadence. NORÐ aims to reflect Nordic atmospheres with a combination of ambient melodies, tight riffing and heavy riffing and vocals to counter the ambient soundscapes. Production wise Alpha is clear, yet gritty enough to not be overdone. The vocals have an incredible range, from guttural growl to a solid clean range including sustained high notes. The lead guitar adds some nice hooks and licks to the melodies composed and the bass work, whilst not pronounced is some of the best I’ve heard in a long while. “Rosehip Garden” and “Restless are definitely the highlights of this release with very well thought out and composed solo work. It is refreshing to hear an artist release something these days which not only nods to their idols but goes out its way not to lean so heavily on their influences they plagiarise. An upbeat death/doom album (albeit the mere concept of doom being upbeat is a misnomer). Highly recommended and highly original. To be released March 3rd, 2017 digitally through Inverse Records. -Simon Brown

Track list:
1. Kill the Marshalls
2. Rosehip Garden
3. Restless
4. Omega

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