Blut Aus Nord – Disharmonium – Nahab

Written by on 08-10-2023 at 20:01.

Here it is, the review for the record of the year. The new Blut Aus Nord. Album number fifteen of Vindsval’s creation. Not the last, because just like the 777 series, this Disharmonium is a trilogy. After the first part Disharmonium – Undreamable Abysses, which was discussed in detail here (in Dutch), Disharmonium – Nahab was presented to us some time ago. In the meantime, true fans have also picked up the Lovecraftian Echoes   compilation from Bandcamp and have already streamed two singles in the run-up to this newcomer.

Nahab, which is divided into three parts as well, is introduced by nightmare fragments. Those nightmares are H.P. Lovecraft-driven images that are in fact the common threads throughout the entire album. Terrifying, uneasy constructions full of – how could it be any different – discordant, dissonant, disorienting riffs and effects. As if your inner balance is disturbed, as if your stomach has become a celestial body that rotates opposite to the earth. Lots of technical, jazzy and progressive patterns that are difficult to grasp. In any case, it makes you wonder why someone would put together and/or listen to such disturbing music.

The creator of all this refers to esoteric folklore, and this may be all true, but this must be folklore originary from a layer of the underworld where chaos and fear reign, and trauma is daily occurrence. The fluctuating echoes on the guitars fade away and reappear from the background as flashbacks form a bipolar beacon that makes the listening experience even physically difficult. The indeterminate forms of vocal expression wade amid fictional tremolos and errant drum patterns (is this actually a real drummer??) and are a blend of screams and grunts, occult and otherworldly, nervous and tiring. Just listen to the song The Black Vortex with the saxophone-like frequencies with a special sci-fi feel.

More MoRT than the first part of this trilogy, but no less epic and mind-expanding. Excellent stuff for fans of Portal, Aevangelist, Imperial Triumphant and other bands that play in a category of their own. Blut Aus Nord is a genre in itself that leans towards black, doom, prog and occasionally Godflesh industrial. A challenge for your mental and physical health, which happens to be my personal tagline. Enjoy it! Listening tips: Nameless Rites and Queen of the Dead Dimension.

Score:

92/100

Label:

Debemur Morti Productions, 2023

Tracklisting:

1. Hideous Dream Opus #1
2. Mental Paralysis
3. The Endless Multitude
4. Hideous Dream Opus #2
5. The Crowning Horror
6. Queen of the Dead Dimension
7. The Black Vortex
8. Nameless Rites
9. Hideous Dream Opus #3
10. The Ultimate Void of Chaos
11. Forgotten Aeon

Line-up:

  • W.D. Feld – Drums, electronics, keyboards
  • Vindsval – Guitar, vocals
  • GhÖst – Bass

Links: