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| #FOR FANS OF: Black/Death |
The Dutch duo Nyktmyst is another promising project hailing from a healthy scene that has produced some interesting projects in recent times, such as the excellent band Walg. In contrast to this project, Nyktmyst hasn’t been very active since it was formed in 2019. In fact, the duo has taken its time to carefully create its first opus. Given that they have signed with the prestigious label Iron Bonehead Productions to release it, we can assume that their first effort, a self-titled EP, must have something truly worthwhile to explore.
Nyktmyst’s sound is firmly rooted in the black metal scene, serving as a devoted portrait of the genre’s golden times. Yes, as you may think, the 90s approach to the genre fuels Nyktmyst's musical vision. This fact is clearly stated as soon as the first track, "O Viandante," begins. The production is a bit murky but clean enough to appreciate the instruments and vocals, as they both have room to shine. The impetuous pace of the drums is accompanied by the trademark tremolo picking guitar style, featuring the well-known sharp riffs that define black metal. The pace is generally fast but varies enough between remarkably fast and head-banging-inducing sections. The use of acoustic guitars also reminds me of some of the classic albums released in the 90s. Considering the elements used, it is undeniable that this track definitely breathes the very essence of the genre. The third track, "Noctivagant," displays another dose of top-notch riffs in an equally intense track that, as done in the EP opener, introduces variations in the pace, trying to garnish the compositions with ingredients that add diversity to their structure. The melodies are a bit darker and more dissonant here, and the vocals have a similar approach, although they introduce greater variation. The final track, "Portal Tomb," follows similar patterns, featuring great riffing that leads a generally fast track, but it never misses the chance to include some ups and downs in the pace, where mid-tempo and even slow sections are tastefully introduced. This variety helps to create a piece that will please listeners who want more than just endless blast beats and unconstrained fury.
This self-titled debut by Nyktmyst is definitely an interesting one. The ideas are solid, and the execution is excellent. It's a shame that it's just an EP, as it leaves me wondering if the duo can maintain this quality and interest in a longer effort. The remarkable result makes me think that it could be possible and leaves me reasonably excited about what Nyktmyst could offer in the hopefully near future. (Alain González Artola)
Nyktmyst’s sound is firmly rooted in the black metal scene, serving as a devoted portrait of the genre’s golden times. Yes, as you may think, the 90s approach to the genre fuels Nyktmyst's musical vision. This fact is clearly stated as soon as the first track, "O Viandante," begins. The production is a bit murky but clean enough to appreciate the instruments and vocals, as they both have room to shine. The impetuous pace of the drums is accompanied by the trademark tremolo picking guitar style, featuring the well-known sharp riffs that define black metal. The pace is generally fast but varies enough between remarkably fast and head-banging-inducing sections. The use of acoustic guitars also reminds me of some of the classic albums released in the 90s. Considering the elements used, it is undeniable that this track definitely breathes the very essence of the genre. The third track, "Noctivagant," displays another dose of top-notch riffs in an equally intense track that, as done in the EP opener, introduces variations in the pace, trying to garnish the compositions with ingredients that add diversity to their structure. The melodies are a bit darker and more dissonant here, and the vocals have a similar approach, although they introduce greater variation. The final track, "Portal Tomb," follows similar patterns, featuring great riffing that leads a generally fast track, but it never misses the chance to include some ups and downs in the pace, where mid-tempo and even slow sections are tastefully introduced. This variety helps to create a piece that will please listeners who want more than just endless blast beats and unconstrained fury.
This self-titled debut by Nyktmyst is definitely an interesting one. The ideas are solid, and the execution is excellent. It's a shame that it's just an EP, as it leaves me wondering if the duo can maintain this quality and interest in a longer effort. The remarkable result makes me think that it could be possible and leaves me reasonably excited about what Nyktmyst could offer in the hopefully near future. (Alain González Artola)
(Iron Bonehead Productions - 2025)
Score: 80
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/nyktmyst-nyktmyst
Score: 80
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/nyktmyst-nyktmyst