Heavy Metal Tribune

Nechbeyth [Singapore]
Blood. Axis. Domination
2011
Full Length
Vrykoblast Productions
Black/Death Metal

Despite hailing from Singapore and already having an almost 10-year history, Blood. Axis. Domination was my first encounter with black/death metal band Nechbeyth. After numerous recommendations by friends aware of my interest in the war metal genre, knowing that such a band exists in Singapore certainly piqued my interest.

Opening track Introuroboros begins softly, seemingly to prepare listeners for the chaos that is to come, like the calm before the storm. But it does not take the band long to begin their aural onslaught as loud guitars suddenly hit the listener when least expected, and throughout the opening track it is nothing but tortured shrieks and growls, leaving an image of destruction in the listener's head. As the album begins proper with Echelons of the Elite, the listener is immediately thrown into a wall of chaos, and what is present is one of the rawest and most bestial war metal that I have ever encountered, from the grainy, raw and loud production of the album, to the primitive songwriting style.

The drums of drummer Narsamvm throughout, like his counterparts in bestial black/death metal, has no regards for technical display, rather what is present is simply a display of speed and ferocity, though there are moments that almost sound slightly out of pace, which serves to make the album all the more authentic and primitive-sounding. Zavael's vocals are also mixed in such a way that they come across as extremely echoey, suiting the primitive atmosphere that surrounds the music extremely well and though his vocal style may come across as savage, there are still moments when the lyrics can still be made out, like on Bacterium Antichrist. The layering of his higher pitched shrieks and lower pitched growls further enhances the experience, reminding listeners of bands such as Nyogthaeblisz and their barbaric style of black metal. Guitarist Israfil helps to maintain the chaotic undertone throughout, not only with the guitar tone that sounds like a razor-buzzing, but also through the few guitar solos littered throughout the album that remind listeners of bands like Revenge.

A word of caution though: for a fan of war metal, Nechbeyth's debut still came across as slightly difficult to swallow on first listen with the extremely trebly production quality which easily caused listening fatigue. However, repeated listens of the album would certainly help in the appreciation of the bludgeoning bestial black/death metal that Nechbeyth has crafted. One thing is for certain though, Blood. Axis. Domination is definitely not for the weak-hearted.

Nechbeyth on the internet:
Official website
Facebook


©2012 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui