Metal seems to pop up in all sorts of places; war torn Middle Eastern countries, impoverished Asian countries, and now we have a slab of dark, raging metal from the beautiful, sunny Maldives. It proves beyond doubt that you don’t need to live in a gloomy but well-off Northern European country to feel the spirit of metal in your veins.
Not only have the Maldivian metal maniacs created a debut album of astonishing quality and professionalism, but impressively, they have also managed to craft a sound that is uniquely their own. The promo CD I was sent describes Nothnegal’s music as `melodic death metal’, but that only goes some way to describing the heavy aural pounding that they create. I can of course, hear some clear Swedish influences in there; some sections remind me fleetingly of Arch Enemy. Nothnegal have a great sense of both rhythm and melody; the music never strays into mindless brutality, or relies on massive doses of blasting. Instead, the rhythm section is neck-breakingly heavy, with more grooves than... something very groovy indeed. I hate to use the term `mid-paced’ because that sounds so pedestrian – Nothnegal really rock, and inspire some intense cranial damage.
There are many different dimensions to the music; even the groove itself is a diverse mix of older and modern metal styles, occasionally reminiscent of bands like Scar Symmetry. There are some fantastic performances from all band members; great sweeping guitar solos (that never stray into self-indulgence), absolutely killer, catchy yet crushing riffs, stomping drums like an angry elephant. Fufu’s (yes that is his name) vocals could strip paint from the walls; his belligerent, dramatic throaty roaring fits the dark, epic nature of the music perfectly.
Into this already potent mix, Nothnegal also add symphonic touches, industrial elements, and an adventurous, progressive approach. Unlike so many bands, the keyboards on this album really enhance the music, and create a fantastically dark layer of atmosphere, without ever dominating or drowning out the guitars or vocals. The sheer creativity of this band is really quite breathtaking, one minute they are stomping all over your face with rhythmic fury, the next, they are drifting, dreamlike through your nightmares.
Although every song stands out in its own right on the album, the last two songs are particularly unique. The band really shows of its creative and progressive leanings here, Fufu demonstrates that he can also sing, and has an intense, mysterious and powerful singing voice. The music combines drifting melody and sinister theatricality to full effect.
Fans of dark, heavy metal, melodic death metal, and something a little different should really pay attention to this young, highly talented and creative band. This is only their debut album – imagine what else they could achieve...
http://www.nothnegal.net
Jon Butlin
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