NahemaHThis progressive metal outfit is from the lovely Alicante, Spain (the south west of Spain). When this album drops (Jan 30th in the States) these guys will have been around a decade. They self released their first album in 1999, "Edens In Communion". Their second album, "Chrysalis" was released in 2001 by Iberian Moon. So the band obviously takes the time and effort to construct and arrange their albums.
If you enjoy the melancholy sounds of Opeth, the Swedish metal sounds of Dark Tranquility, and the orchestral sections of Mogwai you will eat this album up. There are 10 tracks that typically span well over 5 minutes, except for the opening and closing track which are oddly enough both are 4:34 long. I lost count of how many times a riff or section would give me the goose bumps. Each song paints a vivid picture inside of your mind, whether it's a snow covered field or viewing the sunset atop a mountaintop this album stimulates all of the senses. The singer is extremely dynamic and can easily switch registers. One moment he may use some wonderful clean singing and the next he'll utilize a visceral scream. The roaming bass lines are fucking awesome and incorporates a ton of melody. The drummer uses some well placed and ear catching drum fills. Awesome, just fucking awesome.
This album was recorded over a two year span, Nov/Dec 2004-Jan 2006, so the band obviously put time and thought into every aspect of this record. The guitars have a wonderful well rounded tone that suites the really bright and melodic sections as well as the heavier moments. The bass tone is absolutely gorgeous and roams about freely in the background with plenty of presence. The drums have a warm dense tone that help solidify the rhythm section perfectly. You couldn't have asked for a better job on the vocals. On top of that, there lots of electronic ambience and orchestral sections that sound downright lush and add tons of dimensions and depth to the bands sound.
It is a pity that I couldn't have the actual booklet in my hands because I am sure the lyrics and the layout would help me understand this album in depth a lot more. As I said in the other review for this label, I can only talk about the cover art. There are branches to a plant that hang over a white background with silhouetted white contrast of plots. Very pleasing to the eyes.
Rating: 5/5
Sections Worthy of Replay: Labyrinthine Straight Ways and Killing My Architect
Synopsis: This album is full of emotion of brooding melodies that can wisp you away into a world of mystic and wonder. I have enjoyed this album so much that I will be purchasing the rest of this bands catalog.