Release Date: April 28th 2023. Record Label: Self Released / Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl
Metempsychosis: Tracklisting
1. Heracleion
2. Laguna
3. Kteis
4. Kata Kumbas
5. Metempsychosis
6. Cerbero
7. Samat
Members
Antonio Montellanico - vocals, bass guitar, guitar
Pierpaolo Cianca - guitar
Giorgio Pinnen - drums, synth
Review
Formed in Rome, Italy, in 2016 Nautha took two years to hone their skills while composing songs for their debut, 'Tutti i Coloni del Buio', which came out in 2018. Five years went by after this until the sophomore album, 'Metempsychosis' was unleashed and that's what brings us here. To talk about this brilliant album and what makes it this great.
The initial spins brings to mind Porcupine Tree and Riverside, something which is prevalent throughout. However, 'Metempsychosis' is so much more than that. It's not stuck in a loop because each time I listen to it more nuances appears making this a very organic and living entity and you can't ask for more. After all, that's what brings me back time and time again.
Opener 'Heracleion' is a mid-tempo composition which gradually - slowly builds up - as the band immediately transports the listener to a whole new world. A whole new place where solace and rejuvenation is the main key. 'Laguna' picks up the pace quite a bit while remaining in that feel-good state and well-being. Man, the guitar playing is on point and mind-blowing. About halfway through the tempo drops only for the music to weave back and forth creating a wonderful ending. 'Kteis' picks up where 'Laguna' left off and this time we, the listeners, are catapulted out into unchartered galaxies full of wonder. One of my favourites on the album, indeed. 'Kata Kumbas' is more laidback and introspective but oh so wonderful.
The title track, 'Metempsychosis' follows and it's a short instrumental piano piece courtesy of drummer Giorgio Pinnen and it's a wonderful bridge between 'Kata Kumbas' and 'Cerbero', where the band opens up hard and heavy. Darker in feel and emotions, Nautha blends harmonies and melody perfectly with the metal approach making the song a brilliant composition. Album closer 'Samat' offers vibes of Elder and it works so well. Spacey and trippy yet pretty damned rocking it's the perfect song to end the proceedings as it leaves with a great platform to start off the next album. Very suggestive and hypnotic as well.
Nautha is another in a long line of bands, over a long period of time, who've come my way purely by chance and simultaneously blew me away. And I am forever grateful because these days you have to look hard and long to find bands that stand out. As soon as I pressed play Nautha mesmerised me and immersed me with their fantastic music and it's a never-ending wonderful thing I hope more people get to experience. So, if you really want great music at your hands, explore the wonderful world of Nautha!
Words by Håkan Nyman
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