We here at The Metal Wanderlust receive plenty of promos to keep us busy but there are times something special happens to land in our inbox and we cannot help but share. I need to thank Ossian Records for sending this our way, and they also happen to be working on Digipacks for this very release.
Nòtt is the solo project of James Benson (Amiensus, Adora Vivos, Fail to Decay) and for a one man band this EP serves as a masterful debut. Nòtt from what I gather is Icelandic for Night, and for the metal realm it is not uncommon to most that the music is derived from darkness, bleakness, coldness, and sheer emotion. These aspects I believe are what speaks to the listener musically and lyrically and why this release encompasses all of those things.
Nòtt mixes elements of Atmospheric and Progressive Black Metal that is executed in a way that sways back and forth from Melodic progressive passages to faster sections that just scream anguish. A lot can be taken away from each track but no two songs sound similar, its a wild ride into the depths of oblivion. It is the perfect blend of progressive and atmospheric which are two things that work very well together. Vocal wise James possesses the inate ability to tear right through your inner being, don’t bother trying to hide from this EP it speaks volumes.
Give this release a listen for yourself and you will see what I am talking about. This is highly promising and a work of talent, and I am looking forward to hearing what is next.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Metal Wanderlust 