Label: Independent
Genre: Doom Metal
Length: 41:29
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Today, I would like to share with you a few lines about an album that is one of the most remarkable discoveries of the year. It is the first album by the Austrian doom metal band Dark Nativity. Formed in 2013, the band released their first EP Mercury in 2018 (which I have not yet had the opportunity to listen to). On 12 August, Dark Nativity unveiled their very first eponymous album, released independently in digital format. I gave this album several spins before writing this review.
This eponymous album consists of eight tracks with a total running time of 41:29 minutes. From the very first track, Intro (Echoes from the Void), we are plunged into an oppressive atmosphere that sets the tone for the band's soundscape. The heavy, ponderous rhythm evolves throughout the album, carried by vocals that oscillate between clear singing and screaming passages. The vocal performance remains faithful to the roots of doom metal, giving the whole album an undeniable authenticity. I also felt some rock influences at times, particularly on tracks such as In and Out, where this influences appears from the very first tones.
Among the passages that stood out to me, the first thing that comes to mind is the guitar solo at 2:59 on the track Vertigo, an intense moment that really captured my attention. On Wizard, I appreciated the progressive evolution of the composition: the bass takes centre stage, and the vocals reach their peak. I was particularly impressed by the section starting at 3:46, followed by a masterful solo at 3:54, with the drums perfectly supporting the growing intensity intensity. The track Blackbird Fields stands out with an interesting change of pace: it begins with an acceleration, before slowing down around 3:05 to take on an almost acoustic feel. But at 3:46, the band picks up speed again, and the vocals are delivered with remarkable intensity. This contrast was, in my view, carefully thought out.
Coventry builds an immersive atmosphere, with a bass solo at 3:26 and a powerful scream at 3:35 leading into a perfectly executed guitar solo (It’s easily one of my favourite passages on the record) Meanwhile, the track Siki ka tri ida di exudes an almost tribal ceremonial aura, thanks to its percussive rhythm. I really liked the transition starting at 3:45, enhanced by a high-pitched scream at 3:52 and followed by a captivating solo at 4:04.
Another highlight is on In and Out, with a remarkable guitar solo that starts at 2:11 and lasts several seconds, leaving a strong impression. So, I cannot fail to mention Against the Tides, the longest track on the album. Here, the guitars draw us into heavy and captivating melodic compositions. From 3:52 onwards, the rhythm picks up, but without ever losing the initial spirit of the track, which is centred on melodic notes. At 4:45, the bass takes over and adds an even darker and heavier dimension. I particularly loved the drumming at 5:25,
This first album by Dark Nativity made a deep impression on me with its faithful adherence to the codes of doom metal. Each track has its highlights, and the album as a whole is definitely worth listening to several times.