Nachtmystium – Assassins

Releasedate: 23-06-2008; Label:Century Media USA / Candlelight EU / Daymare Japan
By: Sabine van Gameren

Nachtmystium is a band with a long line of releases behind them. These Americans started in the year 2000 and besides the fact that they already had quite some releases, they also already had quite some line up changes so don’t be surprised to hear a lot of influences of other bands in their music.

“Assassins” is the album we are talking about now. The band found their selves a psychedelic extreme metal band. Also, the early black metal influences are there undisputed.
In most of the songs there are no vocals, leaving us listeners up for the instrumental pleasures and bring us to a more stoner like approach. Though, there where vocals appear they are raspy, but somehow catchy. It’s clear that the production of the album brought some effects on this.
When it comes to bass, the band made it sound pretty thick, making a wink to some more progressive stuff.
Guitars are the most dominating on this album. I kept on listening to the riffs here. I am highly pleased with the way the band brings the rhythm in here.
Drums quite let me down a bit. They are done by Tony Laureano (which worked with many big names like Nile, God Dethroned, The Black Dahlia Murder, Dimmu Borgir). There is chosen for a more mainstream sound in drums where I expected a little more surprising work.
Besides what’s mentioned above the band brings in some atmosphere with other instruments. Did I really hear a saxophone?! Yes, listen carefully and be surprised. (a little spoiler: the ninth track on the album called: “Seasick (Part 2: Oceanborn)”)

This album is surprising and adventurous. The music gets your full attention when listening to it, whether you like it or not, it is music that should be listened to.

Line Up:
Blake Judd – Guitars / Vocals
Jeff Wilson – Guitars
Jon Necromancer – Bass
Tony Laureano – Drums (session)
Zack Simmons – Drums (session EU tour)

Links:
Nachtmystium MySpace
Nachtmystium Official