review: Nug --post-metal from Ukraine

Nug

Alter Ego

Willowtip Records

14 August 2020

While it is more difficult to speak from here in the U.S. about the situation for post-metal in Europe, it seems like at this point in the U.S. this album will be received well by the critics and fans. The American publications and fans love the midtempo, nice and easy chugging, the simple grooviness, the accessibility of this heaviness, like a gentle feel is very appealing to the broader masses of heavy rock in the U.S. It is heavy, but it is not abrasive, and it is a soothing, relaxing type of simple grooving/chugging.

A typical song may have a mellow intro, not necessarily melodic but pleasant, on the slow side of things. Then maybe things pick up the pace a little bit with some chugging and growling (a sort of measured, not too aggressive style). At some point there will be melodies, but a subdued style of melody, slow, repetitive and simple. After that, they might return to the chugging a little bit more and ride that out towards the end of the song. That’s kind of the deal with Nug.

Alter Ego by nug