It did not took long for me to start appreciating this album, even though I hear some dissonant guitar playing on it; that thing is not my favourite, especially in death metal realms! 'Nihilominus' basically is a technical death metal album with several elements, both archaic and modern, used as its building blocks. I was expecting more tomb mold and spider webs here, plus echo, as I first saw the cover artwork, but it didn't turn out that way.

There's loads of melodiousness on here; in vein of wicked and nimble, often neoclassically inspired, but always tasty leads dropped every now and they highly reminds of US legends Dying Fetus (who just turned into three decades old). Heavy down-tuned, churning guitar riffing is in... ehm, heavy use. There's also quite a lot of modern-sounding, discordant guitar work which I feel the least addictive and in fact dismissable thing on here. Another such thing is the riffs that sometimes go close to djent.

Anyway, Faeces do not sound as much of latter era Death or Obscura any more, like their jazzed-up brutality of the previous album 'Upstream' (from a decade ago, no less!). The fretless bass guitar is still as tricksy, though. The drums are often fast or very fast; rapid kick drumming and blast beats are presented effortlessly. Serious amount of tempo and beat changes occur on blinding rate. The song structures do not feel incongruous, as it flows well despite all the variability. If there's a more warped part, soon something very melodic will occur, and that's the thing that beautifully glues it all together.

On 'Company of Old Skulls', some parts feel like death metal version of Tool. 'Infirmity' includes a slow, ethereal section, which was a total surprise. Mat-like synthesizer on the closer fits in perfectly, but isn't heard more than for 40 seconds. These settlements bring in loads of illustriousness, and made me think that this album could have benefited more for broader and even adventurous facets.

Rather low guttural vocals sound beary, sometimes reaching more barking output as well as squealing. Printing lyrics was a nice thing to do... They are about real life; negative feelings, addictions and generally chaotic nature of life and some human beings. The cover art made me expect some horror-style crypt-death metal, to tell the truth, as did the band's name. The production is meaty and warm, rather thick even though trebly and bass are both represented. Every instrument is audible in the mix, and the loudest one is the drums.

The band have an ugly name, but it doesn't make them any worse. The creativity level is high on their fourth full-length album, and the music proceeds in a very easy-going way, even if there's as much fluctuation as on Death's technical albums. Maybe that is why it can feel longer than it actually is (36 minutes). One obligatory album for tech death buffs. Hopefully it will not take a decade till the next one.

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
02/06/2022 19:59