Mavradoxa

Mavradoxa

Nightmarrow

May 2nd, 2019

Hypnotic Dirge Records

1.Maple 07:41

2.The Carrion Shade 09:25

3.Nightmarrow 09:34

4.Rustling Leaves 01:45

5.Black Crystal Snowfall 10:57

6.Umbra 03:40

total time 43:02

Black metal, as interpreted by this New York State band, means an effort to make the recording as real as possible, that sounds like human beings playing music; less software; more playing. This band does well in their use of melody on this, their third album. It is very likable to hear a recording in which the drums sound real, the extra noisiness of real cymbals, and the overall labor that is drumming. The bass guitar is there and if you pay attention you hear the low rumble, that pulse of the rhythm.

One thing that stands out right away is the guitar melodies. There are plenty of moments in which the guitar melodies or guitar harmonies shine brightly. Starting on the first song, the guitar harmonies catch the attention of the listener. The second song shows another cool moment for the guitar to have its place at the front. This time, the melodies build up expectation for quite a while and then they arrive in the form of an uptempo segment that takes the song to the end. The third song also has its clear moment of simple but effective guitar melody, although as a song this one underlines the band’s tendency for longer compositions. The music does require more of an effort in order to stay with it because nine minutes is pretty long for a song no matter how you slice it. There is one more long song. By this time, one is more used to the ambitious songwriting. Mentally, it is easier because one knows that this is how these New Yorkers roll. In the end, the progressive side of the music is manifested and hopefully fans can appreciate the goals of the band to incorporate various elements into the music as a more colorful work.

The vocals are rather traditional, raspy and pretty harsh, so be aware that you have to be a fan of the style, and it is best to find out for yourself than to have some reviewer tell you what it sounds like. This work is for those looking for DIY BM recordings.

hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/nightmarrow