Nocturnus AD’s Unicursal: A Voyage Through Progressive Death Metal
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (8.3/10)
In the vast expanse of the metal universe, where genres blend and reinvent themselves, Nocturnus AD stands as a beacon of innovation with their latest offering, “Unicursal.” This album is not just a collection of tracks; it’s a narrative, a cosmic journey that transcends the conventional boundaries of death metal.
From the opening notes, “Unicursal” grips you with its Slayer-esque riffs and cinematic choirs, setting the stage for an epic odyssey. The lead track, “The Ascension Throne of Osiris,” is a powerhouse of double bass and blast beats, showcasing Mike Browning’s distinctive vocal style. The guitar work by Demian Heftel and Belial Koblak is nothing short of stellar, weaving intricate harmonies that complement Browning’s pounding drums.
As the album progresses, tracks like “CephaloGod” and “Mesolithic” highlight the band’s ability to fuse thrashy attacks with symphonic elements, creating a soundscape that is both ominous and otherworldly. The keyboards, played by Josh Holdren, add a layer of depth, enhancing the album’s progressive nature.
The narrative of Dr. Magus and his quest to conquer the Kabbalistic Tree of Life continues from their previous work, “Paradox,” and finds its stride in tracks like “Mission Malkuth.” Here, the music takes on a heavier, more aggressive tone, with nods to the band’s earlier work, “The Key.” The album’s complexity is its strength, with songs that are rich in technical prowess and lyrical depth.
“Unicursal” by Nocturnus AD is a significant evolution from their earlier work, showcasing a band that has matured and refined its sound while staying true to its roots. The album is a continuation of the band’s exploration into progressive death metal, building upon the foundations laid by their seminal debut, “The Key,” and subsequent releases.
The debut album “The Key” is often remembered for its fresh and inventive approach to death metal, combining sci-fi themes with technical musicianship. “Unicursal” carries forward this legacy with its complex time signatures, tempo shifts, and technical prowess. It’s a more ambitious and confident release compared to “Paradox,” the album that marked the band’s return as Nocturnus AD. While “Paradox” reignited interest in the band’s potential, “Unicursal” solidifies their place in the genre with its grand scope and cinematic elements.
Tracks like “The Ascension Throne of Osiris” and “CephaloGod” are reminiscent of the band’s early days, with aggressive riffs and atmospheric keyboards, yet they display a level of sophistication and linearity that is new to the band’s sound. The album also continues the narrative of Dr. Magus, adding a conceptual depth that enriches the listening experience.
In essence, “Unicursal” is a testament to Nocturnus AD’s growth as musicians and storytellers. It’s an album that not only pays homage to their past but also pushes the envelope of what can be expected from them, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience for fans of progressive death metal.
The tracklist for Nocturnus AD’s album “Unicursal” is as follows:
- Intro
- The Ascension Throne of Osiris
- CephaloGod
- Mesolithic
- Organism 46B
- Mission Malkuth
- Yesod, the Dark Side of the Moon
- Hod, the Stellar Light
- Netzach, the Fire of Victory
- Outro
- Nocturnus Will Rise*
This lineup showcases the band’s commitment to thematic storytelling and musical complexity, making “Unicursal” a standout addition to their discography.
*“Nocturnus Will Rise” is a track that stands as a testament to Nocturnus AD’s legacy in the death metal scene. It’s a bonus track included in their album “Unicursal,” which was released on May 17th, 2024. This song is significant as it marks a continuation of the band’s mythos, which began with their legendary album “The Key.”
The song itself is a powerful composition that encapsulates the band’s signature blend of technical proficiency and thematic storytelling. It’s characterized by its aggressive guitar work, complex drum patterns, and Mike Browning’s distinctive growling vocals. The track also features atmospheric elements that add to its dark and immersive narrative.
Deluxe Decibel subscribers had the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive flexi of a re-recorded version of the song “Nocturnus” from the band’s self-titled 1987 demo, now renamed “Nocturnus Will Rise.” This release allowed fans to experience the band’s classic sound with a modern twist.
“Unicursal” by Nocturnus AD is a progressive death metal album that stands out for its intricate compositions and thematic depth. Here are some of the standout tracks and their details:
“The Ascension Throne of Osiris”: This track serves as the album’s proper opener, immediately setting a high bar with its frantic riffs and mutating melodies. It’s a showcase of the band’s tightness and hunger, driven by effective riffs and Mike Browning’s harsh vocals. The keyboards add a cinematic dimension, making it a memorable start to the album.
“CephaloGod”: With a thrashy attack and a multitude of twists and turns, this track maintains the album’s momentum. The song’s structure and Browning’s staccato shout-vocals create a sense of urgency and intensity, making it a standout piece in the album’s lineup.
“Mesolithic”: This nearly 9-minute epic takes listeners on a journey from tribal drumming to progressive tech-thrash segments. The song’s complexity is highlighted by swirling riffs and cinematic keyboards, resulting in a track that feels both grand and experimental.
“Mission Malkuth”: Continuing the saga of Dr. Magus, this track runs heavier and meaner, with clear references to the band’s earlier work. The thrashy leads and shifting tempos contribute to a grand scale that commands attention, making it one of the album’s most impactful songs.
“Yesod, The Dark Side of the Moon”: This track showcases the band’s songwriting dynamics, adding to the chaos and atmosphere of a universe under siege. It’s a testament to Nocturnus AD’s ability to craft songs that are both scattered and cohesive, contributing to the album’s overall narrative.
Each track on “Unicursal” contributes to the album’s overarching story and musical journey, making it a standout release in Nocturnus AD’s discography. The album’s ambition and execution make it a must-listen for fans of progressive and technical death metal.
Nocturnus AD released an official music video for the track “CephaloGod” from their album “Unicursal.” The video was made available on YouTube and has been well-received by fans and critics alike. It was created by Wizardhead and features band performance footage shot by Thomas Riley. The video captures the essence of the track, with its dark and atmospheric visuals complementing the song’s aggressive and technical sound.
Album Score Breakdown by Infoburst USA
Here’s a hypothetical score for Nocturnus AD’s album “Unicursal,” based on various aspects of the album:
Musicianship: 9/10
The band’s technical skill and intricate play are exceptional, showcasing their mastery over their instruments.
Originality: 8.5/10
“Unicursal” brings fresh elements to the death metal genre, offering a unique twist that distinguishes it from other albums.
Songwriting: 8.5/10
The album features complex compositions that are both engaging and thought-provoking, with each track contributing to the overarching narrative.
Production Quality: 8.5/10
The sound engineering and mixing are of high quality, ensuring that each element of the music is heard clearly and contributes to the overall experience.
Consistency: 8/10
The album maintains a steady level of quality throughout, with no track feeling out of place or below the standard set by others.
Album Artwork: 8.5/10
While the artwork is good and thematically relevant, it may not stand out as much as the music itself.
Lyrics: 8/10
The lyrics are deep and meaningful, enhancing the music and adding to the album’s conceptual depth.
Atmosphere: 7.5/10
“Unicursal” excels in creating an immersive atmosphere that draws the listener into its world.
Cohesiveness: 8/10
The album is mostly cohesive, though there may be moments where it diverges slightly from its central theme.
Impact: 8.5/10
The album leaves a strong impression, likely to resonate with listeners long after the final note has played.
Overall Score: 83/100
This score reflects the album’s strong points, such as its originality in the progressive death metal genre, high technical skill, and excellent production quality. The slightly lower score for artwork is subjective and could vary based on personal taste. The replay value is solid, indicating that “Unicursal” is an album that can be returned to multiple times to uncover new layers and details. Overall, it’s a strong release from Nocturnus AD that is sure to please fans of the genre.
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