Today i’ll be reviewing the album “Necare” by “MNHG” I’ll be going over some of the many reasons why I enjoyed this album so much. Thanks for taking the time to read it.
There are 9 tracks on this album
1. The First Sacrifice - 2. Fratricide - 3. The Fall of Wormwood - 4. Agony and Pain - 5. Lucifer's Claim - 6. The Devil Eyes - 7. Dying Faith - 8. Blessed by My Hand - 9. Far From Home
Track 2: 'Fracturcide' immediately grabs attention as a personal highlight, primarily due to its exceptional riffs and the fantastic solo. These elements inject a distinct rock and roll energy into the black metal framework. The riffs themselves are undeniably heavy and chunky, perfectly complemented by vocals that feel tailor-made for this style. It's worth noting how this track effectively showcases the band's ability to blend aggression with a more accessible, almost anthemic feel.
The album's overall Soundscape feels very precise and impactful. One of its appealing aspects is the deliberate use of space within the riff structures, allowing the subsequent solos to truly shine and take center stage. Furthermore, a noticeable punk undercurrent permeates the album, adding an unexpected layer of depth. This punk influence steers the overall tone towards something considerably more groovy, compelling listeners to headbang in rhythm. This fusion of punk energy with black metal intensity is a key characteristic of the Black 'n' Roll subgenre.
Interestingly, 'Necare' features several brief, impactful 'breakdown'-like sections that frequently follow a main riff. These transitions sound particularly effective, providing dynamic shifts within the songs and preventing them from becoming monotonous. This technique adds a layer of unpredictability and kept me engaged until the very end.
A short but incredibly memorable Guitar Solo appears during 'Dying Faith'. What makes this moment particularly striking is the unexpected yet effective accompaniment of the drums. Instead of blast beats, the foundation is a simpler kick-snare pattern, but it's the flurry of almost octopus-like cymbal strikes that truly elevates the moment, creating a dense and full percussive soundscape against which the melodic solo sharply stands out. This highlights the band's creative ability to build texture and impact through nuanced drumming.
For sheer headbanging potential, 'Blessed by My Hand' stands out as the album's peak. While the drum pattern utilizes a straightforward 4/4 time signature, it's executed with a noticeable drive and groove that elevates it beyond simplicity. The power chord progressions, though simple in structure, are incredibly catchy and possess a deep, chunky quality, drawing comparisons to a more downbeat style of black metal. This particular direction feels incredibly promising for the band, and I sincerely hope they explore more songs in this vein in the future. This track suggests a potential for MNHG to delve into a heavier, more groove-oriented sound within the broader black metal spectrum."
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Based on the strengths I’ve highlighted, "Necare" earns a solid 8/10 for its brilliant fusion of black metal with a noticeable rock and roll swagger and punk energy. The album consistently delivers impactful riffs, punctuated by standout solos like the one in "Fracturcide," showcasing the band's instrumental prowess. The deliberate use of space in the riffing and the effective deployment of "breakdown"-like sections create a dynamic and engaging listening experience. While rooted in black metal, the infusion of groovy rhythms and headbanging-inducing tracks like "Blessed by My Hand" demonstrates MNHG's ability to explore different textures within the genre, hinting at an exciting potential for future evolution.
-Blackened Soundscape.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
Grading system.
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