NAUTHA - METEMPSYCHOSIS (Album Review)

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

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp | Instagram

Introduce Yourselves: THOT

What is the name of your band?

THOT

What is the genre of music that you play?

A fine blend of post-rock, industrial and punk.

Can you give a brief history of the band of how it came together and where it is today?

With a constantly evolving line-up, THOT has been active on the European music scene for more than 10 years. The gang is actually working on a new record, which will feature a collaboration with singers of polyphonic ensemble "The Mystery of The Bulgarian Voices".

Photo by Michael Thiel

What can people expect from your music?

Something between the dark haze of Neurosis and the dadaism of Throbbing Gristle, embracing the dark romanticism of Bauhaus, and venturing into the spiraling structures of Mars Volta.

What is the best release that folks should check out from your band?

Our album "FLEUVE" released in 2017, and our upcoming EP "Méandres":

https://thotweb.net/meandres/

Where can people find you on Social Media?

https://thot.bandcamp.com/

http://www.instagram.com/thtmsc

http://www.facebook.com/thotmusic

Info about upcoming EP Release - FLEUVE

Following their 2017’s release FLEUVE, Belgian post-rock/industrial collective THOT returns with MEANDRES, a 3 tracks EP written by the gang’s brain Gregoire Fray before the world froze in March 2020. These songs, which carry Fray’s obsession for electronic bass lines & heavy guitars, took the time required to reach their full potential and meet the listener.

EUPHRATE is the entrance gate. Not only to this EP but to all the music the band has been cooking for these past 2 years. Here Fray embraces his mother tongue. In French he leads the song through a sonic puzzle gradually joined by the haunting voice of vocalist Juliette Mauduit around whom singers of polyphonic choir The Mystery of The Bulgarian Voice gather in an epic and swirling ending. Here, lyrics are inspired by women fighting for their rights.

ULURU - Acrophilia (Album Review)

Release date: January 07th 2019. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Acrophilia – Tracklisting

1.Insidious Queen 03:51

2.Şark 04:01

3.Siderea 04:52

4.Constantine 05:45

5.Acrophilia Jam 07:52

6.Sin 'N' Shamash 05:12

7.Aeternum 07:20

Members

Guitars/Synth: Ege Çaldemir

Bass: Oğulcan Ertürk

Drums: Ümit Büyükyüksel

Review

Acrophilia is the new album from Turkish Psych/Space/Stoner Rockers – Uluru. This is a very progressive album with the band playing different styles of Instrumental Spaced Out Rock. It’s good to see Uluru playing a more direct style of music and not trying to copy from other bands. This is a band playing their own style of music and becomes even better for it.

The album is quite loud and way heavier than I expected. As I expected Uluru to play a softer style of Post-Rock influenced Stoner Rock. However the band aren’t afraid to veer into Stoner Metal territory and you can hear that the band’s loud ROAR on the excellent opening track – Insidious Queen. The music is quite upbeat and gloomy at the same time as Uluru show a real flair for creating different progressive and psychedelic sounds.

Second song – Şark – opens with a slightly Middle Eastern vibe before the band opt for a more driven Stoner Rock riff. The song isn’t as intense as the opening song but it does allow Uluru to show a softer and more emotional side to their music. The music can be too flashy at times but at least Uluru keep the listener involved with the many different musical directions happening in a short space of time.

The other songs carry on the same type of formula as the opening songs with Siderea, Constantine and Acrophilia Jam having many more moments of finely played Psychedelic and Progressive Stoner Rock. The overall tone and sound of the album changes with each song but at least Uluru have all their bases covered on this album.

The production on the album it top-notch as Uluru deliver a masterclass of Instrumental Stoner Rock to the underground masses. The Space Rock atmosphere of the album is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the album. As it’s constantly weaving a magical sound that holds everything together perhaps mostly on the final two songs on the album – Sin ‘n’ Shamash and Aeternum. This is perhaps the most exciting part of the album as Uluru play to their strengths on these songs and it shows with stunning riffs throughout.

Acrophilia is the type of album that should convince organizers of prestigious European Musical Festivals such as Roadburn, Desertfest and Freak Valley to have Uluru perform at their festivals. As they’re seriously that good and this album is a testament to their hard work and undeniable talent.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Envoys - Bliss (Album Review)

Release date: May 3^rd 2016. Label: Self Released. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Bliss – Tracklisting

1.Strange Attractor 03:16

2.The Hostage 05:59

3.Saboteurs 04:15

4.Bliss 04:46

5.N.A.B 05:43

6.Like a Son 01:52

7.5:1 04:29

8.Apologies 07:10

9.Reflections & Exits 08:28

Band Members:

Daniel Ogola - Bass

Mark Islam - Drums

Stephen Creek - Guitar / Vocals

Tom Allen - Guitar / Vocals

Review:

Envoys second album – Bliss sees the band go down a more progressive hardcore/post-metal route and it’s a decision that pays off instant rewards. As their music becomes more haunting and heartfelt as a result. Envoys still draw inspiration from Post-Rock/Post-Metal legends Pelican and Russian Circles but Bliss sees the band starting to create heavier noises of their own. Especially compared to their debut album.

I’m slightly out of the loop with the Post-Rock/Post-Metal world but I’m always grateful for bands such as Envoys for dragging me back in kicking and screaming. It’s a world I have fond memories thanks to bands such as Pelican, ISIS, Neurosis and Cult Of Luna that became my only choice of listening many years ago.

Bliss opens with Reflections & Exits as the band create a more refined and intense sound to their debut album. Layers of Ambient based Post-Rock sounds merged with the heavier and almost Sludge grooves that hide a cold distant psychedelic vibe. The vocals are handled rather well as they draw you with intelligent lyrics and pounding riffs to match.

The album continues its journey of progressive post rock/metal with elements of hardcore based sounds as Envoys experiment with their sound that should have die-hard Post-Rock/Post-Metal fans crying out for more riffs. Songs such as Strange Attractor, The Hostage, Bliss and the heartfelt Apologies show that Envoys have a fine ear for writing majestic post-rock sounds and the heavier pissed off Sludge/Post-Metal riffs. The vocals sometimes have too much of a raw edge at times but with it's the only odd moment and it shouldn't spoil your overall enjoyment of the album.

Bliss is a superb and quite adventurous album that takes a lot of risks with the set standard Post Rock/Post-Metal sounds that sometimes leaves you wanting more. I haven't listened to Envoys since I reviewed their last album back in 2013 but I won't be making that mistake again as Bliss makes you appreciate bands such as Envoys. If you invest your time with Envoys then I guarantee you may have just found a new Post-Rock/Post-Metal band to worship.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp