Dödsrit - Nocturnal Will
Welcome, music enthusiasts, to anotherBlackenedSoundscape review of the spellbinding album "Nocturnal Will" by the esteemed band Dodsrit. Within the shadowy realms of this musical masterpiece, crafted by Christoffer Öster, Georgios Maxouris, Jelle Soolsma and Brendan Duffy, lies a world of haunting melodies and raw intensity waiting to be discovered.
Firstly, I'd like to express that after the release of their last album "Mortal Coil" 3 years ago, I held very high expectations for this album, and it truly delivers in every way. Every track on the album is crafted in a way that compels you to continuously hum or whistle the melodies throughout the day. It's a perfect fusion of black metal and crust punk with heavy melodic parts. What Dödsrit excels at is their build-ups. They typically start with a quieter section, often around the middle of the track, before gradually intensifying with the drums, creating a primal atmosphere. Following the build-up, the song transitions into its true essence, with superbly written and powerful riffs accompanied by brilliant guitar melodies, usually played on higher strings, giving a "classic solo" feel that distinguishes this band in the vast genre. A prime example of this can be found on the first track of the album titled "Irjala." The build-up around the 5:30 mark adds depth and emotion to the song, showcasing Dödsrit's mastery of songwriting. Additionally, the usage of acoustic guitar, especially with nylon strings, adds true depth to the album, as heard in the opening of "Utmed Gyllbergens," conveying the emotion embedded in the songwriting. My favorite track, "As Death Comes Reaping," captivates from the start with its haunting riff and dynamic drumming. The song progresses with layers of sound that convey well with each other, culminating in an intense and aggressive climax that showcases the cathartic potential of BlackMetal.
Regarding the instrumental contributions, Georgios Maxouris's guitar work enhances the band's musical depth and versatility, showcasing skillful fretwork and expressive melodies that enrich the soundscape with intricate harmonies. Maxouris's dynamic range allows the band to explore a wide spectrum of sounds and moods, from hauntingly atmospheric passages to fiercely energetic sections, adding layers of complexity and emotion to the music. Additionally, Jelle Soolsma's bass guitar playing not only adds depth and weight to the music but also injects a sense of urgency and power into the compositions, complementing the atmospheric melodies with driving rhythms and gritty tones. Soolsma's bass lines serve as a solid foundation, anchoring the arrangements and providing a sense of cohesion to the overall sound. Furthermore, Brendan Duffy's drums provide a diverse yet authentic backbone to the band's sound, incorporating classic Black Metal blast beat segments and crust punk gallop rhythms with outstanding double bass and symbol techniques. Duffy's drumming not only complements the melodies and rhythms but goes beyond to add an extra layer of intensity and aggression, propelling the songs forward with relentless energy and precision. Together, the guys at Dödsrit create a cohesive musical tableau that captivates listeners with its depth, complexity, and raw emotion. Christoffer Oster’s mastery of black metal's haunting vocal style captivates listeners, seamlessly blending raw intensity with haunting melodies, creating an atmosphere that is both chilling and mesmerizing. Each track's vocals are very thorough, and he knows when to stop singing to make the actual music stand out, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the track. Furthermore, Chris’s vocals are nothing short of brilliant, perfectly suiting Dodsrit’s style to the core.
Check the latest album here.
To conclude this review, it's essential to emphasize the rare and exceptional quality of Dödsrit's latest album. In a genre often characterized by its intensity and darkness, this record stands out as a masterpiece destined to endure the test of time. Building upon the foundation laid by their previous album, "Mortal Coil," Dödsrit has crafted an even more compelling and immersive listening experience. The intricacy of their compositions, the depth of their lyrics, and the emotional resonance of their music all contribute to an unparalleled level of excellence.
Exceeding lofty expectations" is an understatement for what this album achieves. Each track is a journey unto itself, leading the listener through a landscape of raw emotion and profound introspection. From the haunting melodies to the hammering intensity of the instrumentation, every aspect of the album is executed with precision and passion.
Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I award this album a rating of 9.5 out of 10. Such a high accolade is not given lightly, but in this case, it serves as a testament to the sheer brilliance and artistry encapsulated within these tracks. Dödsrit has set a standard of excellence that may indeed be unmatched for quite some time, making this album a true gem in the realm of black metal and beyond.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
