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NOTHNEGAL – DECADENCE (9)
From the balmy and idyllic shores of the Maldives comes an altogether less sunny proposition in the brutal shape of Nothnegal. You may not have heard of them before but doubtless the members' former bands will ring some bells. Drummer Kevin Talley alone has some awesome names under his belt, having been a part of Chimaira, Dying Fetus, Misery Index and of course Daath. Guitarist and vocalist Fufu (don’t laugh) and lead guitarist Hilarl were both members of Mortuary, whilst Marco Sneck on keyboards hails from Kalmah and Poisonblack. So, a mighty impressive metal CV they might have, but what have Nothnegal as a band got to offer?
‘Salvation’ is a belting opening  track, throwing aside all thought for an intro – these guys mean business. Nothnegal undoubtedly have their own style; they bring something a bit unique to melodic death, although it’s difficult to pin down exactly what that is. Perhaps the secret lies within their tendencies towards Dream Theater-style technicality; flamboyant keyboard and guitar solos are thrown in with wild abandon, and somehow fit perfectly whilst still retaining a crushing atmosphere. Title track ‘Decadence’ embodies the depth and heaviness that lies at the heart of this band, proving they’re not afraid to go for the jugular.
‘Sins Of Our Creation’ and final track ‘Singularity’ display some surprising and rather gorgeous clean vocals and shows just how tight these guys have become already.
Nothnegal have risen from the ashes of former musical incarnations to come back fighting fit, ready to take on the world. Best not get in their way.
Reviewed by Chantelle Taylor
Decadence is out now on Season of Mist
You’ll like this if… you want melodic death that does a little more than it says on the tin.
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