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Review Archive: N

N.S.A. - Slam!!Stomp!!Mosh!!Crush!! · DEMO (CD)
Like many Hardcore acts these days, N.S.A. have incorporated a lot of Metal into their style, albeit mostly in the drumming and guitar tone. Imagine a combination of most of the bands on the Victory label with the mucous-coated vox of BLOODY MARY. Not the most original thing I've ever heard, but plenty intense. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

NAER MATARON - Up From the Ashes · Black Lotus
Intense Pagan Black Metal. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

NAGELFAR - Srontgorrth · Kettenhund
The long ambient intro gives way to an acoustic bit, which melts into a sort of weird Black Metal with Death Rockish vocals. And then, fucking finally, the real shit starts, which is ultra simple, raw, fast Black Metal. When they bother to have riffs and stuff like that, this isn’t bad at all. Too bad they don’t do that more often. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NAGLFAR - Ex Infernis EP · Century Media / WAR
Usually I'm not one to condemn a band for a lack of progression - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Nevertheless, the differences between the two new tracks from this 5-song EP and 1998's Diabolical are shockingly nonexistent. You'd think they'd attempt something to separate themselves from the dozens of Swedish Black Metal acts that copy this blend of MARDUK-caliber speed and DISSECTION-like melody to a painful death. They do cover MASSACRE's "Dawn of Eternity," and throw in a couple majestic epics from the When Autumn Storms Come 7". Whether or not that's worth the better percentage of your 20-spot is up to you. - 8 - <Jack>

NAGLFAR - Pariah · Century Media
I thought for sure when I'd heard that Jens Ryden, perceived by many to be the creative force behind this band, had jumped ship, that the sun had most likely set on these Swedish Black Metal vets. I love it when I'm wrong. With Pariah, NAGLFAR have crafted by far the finest Black Metal offering of 2005 up to this point. The venom drips from the speakers as the sinister hooks of DISSECTION mutate with the speed and fury of MARDUK, both in their respective primes. As sharp and brutal as it is lyrically bold, yet done with enough finesse to lure in even the BORGIR/FILTH beginners, and the pipes of Kris Olivius, making the switch from bassist to lead vocals, don't have me missing Jens as much. Do yourself a favor, put down the Plague Angel and pick up the Pariah. - 9.75 - <Jack>

NAILBOMB - Point Blank · Roadrunner
Max (SEPULTURA) and Alex (FUDGE TUNNEL) really outdid themselves. This is an incredible combination of Death and Industrial, with extreme concentration on the Death element. Way better than either Chaos A.D. or Creep Diet. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

NAILBOMB - Proud to Commit Commercial Suicide · Roadrunner
This is mostly a live album, which features songs from their only LP, Point Blank, plus a little new material. The live sound is fine, but I'm unclear as to why they wanted to record a live album this early in the game. Still, this is an interesting combination of Death and Industrial (done by members of SEPULTURA and FUDGE TUNNEL, as if you didn't know that!), and their cover of DEAD KENNEDYS’ "Police Truck" is pretty entertaining. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NAPALM DEATH - Harmony Corruption · Earache
If you don’t already know about NAPALM DEATH, then prepare to die. This is one of the most brutal LPs of the year and one of the best too. Mark’s vocals have improved, they are still raw and harsh, but have a certain degree of feeling behind them now. This is what Death Metal should be. John (OBITUARY) Tardy and Glen (DEICIDE) Benton lend some backing vocals on "Unfit Earth." The only song that is slightly less evil than the others is the first track, "Vision Conquest." One thing that sets this band apart from other Death bands is that the lyrics are somewhat thoughtful, not just "eat your guts" kind of stuff. That’s surprising considering the diabolical heaviness and power in the music. The CD version contains not just a bonus track, but a bonus track and a bonus EP, Mentally Murdered. So the CD version is a must if you have a player, it’s even a picture CD. The below rating is for the regular LP (with the CD bonus track) without the Mentally Murdered EP.   - 9.25 - <Ray>  
{Obviously I’m gonna have to come clean here. I’d heard of NAPALM DEATH before, but only really heard them once before - briefly. Of course I knew BENEDICTION, and was impressed with Barney’s (referred to by his given name of "Mark" in the review) vocal performance here, but clearly was under the false impression that NAPALM DEATH were a Death Metal band. Although starting with this album they more or less were. Listening to NAPALM DEATH now, it strange to hear how much they have changed, even from this album, much less from Scum.} **MC3**

NAPALM DEATH - Death by Manipulation · Relativity/ Earache
OK, first of all, this is not the new NAPALM DEATH LP. In fact, all of these songs have been available before, just never together or in the States. The first four songs comprise the Mass Appeal Madness EP, and of these 4, only two are actually new. The other two, "Unchallenged Hate" & "Social Sterility" are re-recorded with the Harmony Corruption era line up. The next 3 songs are the Suffer the Children EP. And one of them, "Siege of Power," is also a re-recorded version. Also the Industrial song "Harmony Corruption" is among these three. The remaining 6 songs are the Mentally Murdered EP, with Lee Dorrian on vocals and Bill (CARCASS) Steer on guitar. This is a perfect introduction to this band, as it covers a hell of a lot of ground. And if you are already a fan, unless you have the 3 separate EPs, it's a must have. It might be anyway, just for the artwork on the cover. This is not something you should pass up. - 9 - <Ray> **MC6**

NAPALM DEATH - Utopia Banished · Relativity/ Earache
This album is less Death Metal than Harmony Corruption. To me, that's great news, but some might see it differently. The new drummer is at least as good as Harris. And the best part is that the songs are still heavy, but have more Blast drum beats, and are memorable. It's more like the older stuff... kinda. Barney has changed his vox a little. He still growls in the rawest possible manner, but now he occasionally shrieks in a thinner, higher pitched way as well. It's cool to hear the contrasting styles. The last tune is completely Industrial, and sounds more than a little like (older) GODFLESH. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

NAPALM DEATH - Greed Killing EP · Earache
These tracks are weird. They all seem to have some strange, out of place, parts in them. And just about when I think that the whole song is crap, they heavy it up and get fast. That's freaky, if you ask me. Although these songs are somewhat memorable, which may be the band's goal, I hope that N.D. can arrest this loss of extremity before it consumes them. - 8 - <Ray> **MC9**

NAPALM DEATH - Diatribes · Earache
These impostors continue to embarrass the name once attached to masterpieces like Scum and From Enslavement to Obliteration with another mediocre Death Metal album per year. This one really isn't so bad - it's just irritating that these guys are using another band's name. There's little blasting here, just some typical thud and growls. They'd probably put on a decent live gig with this material, but I'd be tempted to yell for "Negative Approach," then get flipped off by Barney, then high-tail it before some dumbfuck fan of theirs clobbered me. - 7.5 - <J.J.> **MC10**

NAPALM DEATH - Inside the Torn Apart · Earache
Everyone (Metal Curse included) gives Barney and the guys a hard time about more or less just cashing in on the name NAPALM DEATH, and not really being NAPALM DEATH (there are, after all, no original members left, and this sounds utterly nothing like Scum). I think it’s time for all that to stop. By now, more people probably think of the stuff with Barney than with Lee when NAPALM DEATH is mentioned, so I’ve decided to give the "new" N.D. a break. Well, actually it was this album that decided for me. Simply put, it’s an ass-kicker. The songs are complex, technical, and richly layered, but very memorable, too. Don’t ask me how they do that, but here it is - a whole album’s worth. Perhaps it’s the honestly perfect production. This also seems to be the heaviest thing they have done for a good while, and surprisingly I noticed a blast beat here and there. Hands down the best thing the band has done in a nearly a decade, if not ever. - 10 - <Ray> **MC11**

NAPALM DEATH - Breed to Breathe EP · Earache
If you bought the digipack CD of Inside the Torn Apart, you already have half the 6 tracks on this EP, since two of them are the "digi-bonus" cuts [The title track is from the Inside... album, too. -Ed.]. Why have a special version of the album, just to put those tracks on the next EP? I don’t get that. The other two N.D. tracks sound as if they were left over from the Inside... sessions, which is to say, awesome. The last track is IMPENDING DOOM trying to cover "Greed Killing." They won a contest for the best N.D. cover song to get on this disc. It’s not bad, I suppose, but I don’t see the point. And there’s a CD-ROM video track, that’s supposed to be banned somewhere, but I can’t figure out why. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

NAPALM DEATH - Bootlegged in Japan · Earache
Speaking of Japan, here’s a pretty good sounding live album that was recorded over there back in 1996. I question the mix a little bit - the vocals seem to overpower everything at times - but this is pretty cool, and does an acceptable job of capturing the feel of N.D. live. They could never really play all the stuff I’d want to hear live, but they did do "Scum" and their cover of "Nazi Punks Fuck Off," and I was glad to hear ‘em both. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

NAPALM DEATH - Words From the Exit Wound · Earache
Before even putting the CD in the player, I knew this would have to be cool: My old pal Barney is wearing a MOTÖRHEAD shirt in the band photo. That’s always a good sign. Anyway, after the flawless Inside the Torn Apart album, I was worried that they might "continue to evolve" right away from that perfection. Thankfully, they’re too smart to fall for that old trick, and this sounds more or less like Inside... Part II, and that’s perfectly okay with me. Sure, there are some weird bits on here, such as the occasional second or two of clean vocals, or the eerie Ambient/Industrial "intro" (which strangely enough has its own name, "Trio-Degradable") to "Affixed by Disconcern." And there also seems to be slightly less emphasis on "groove," and perhaps slightly more on the occasional blast beat, which is, once again, okay with me. To top off a great album we are treated to three live bonus cuts, supposedly available only on the U.S. release. So now Japan knows how it feels. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

NAPALM DEATH - Enemy of the Music Business · Spitfire / Dream Catcher
What a rush! This is a trend-smashing, poseur-bashing kill-fest! From the opener "Taste the Poison," NAPALM DEATH are already cruising at break-neck speed. The momentum continues to build as each successive track puts on a clinic of grinding Death Metal insanity. I'm not sure what got into these guys, but I want some! Enemy of the Music Business is an incredibly diverse album packed top to bottom with an all-out assault of razor-sharp riffs and frenzied double-bass thunder. Barney's vocals are absolutely maniacal in their brutality. What's so amazing about this album is that, even though all Hell is breaking loose in each song, it never becomes an indecipherable wall of noise. In other words, the production rocks! If you're up for a whiplash inducing free-for-all, here's your ticket. I consider myself a brave soul, but I'm not sure I would dare to venture into the pit with these maniacs on stage! - 9.75 - <Painkiller>

NAPALM DEATH - Leaders Not Followers 2 · Century Media
It’s actually less of an honor when NAPALM DEATH decides to cover your band’s stuff. Chances are, they’re going to take your song and simply outdo you by making it a hundred times more intense than you could’ve ever envisioned (just ask RAW POWER). I was a huge fan of the first installment of Leaders Not Followers, and was psyched to hear they were putting out another one. However, the first one was only six songs, all the covers fucking rocked, and the production was flawless. This time around there are nineteen covers, the production is pale in comparison, and some of the selections NAPALM DEATH can’t even save. THE OFFENDERS? ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT? THE DAYGLO ABORTIONS? If the NAPALMed versions aren’t knocking me on my ass, I can only imagine what the originals are like. Still, this is well worth it for slamming renditions of classics by CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, HELLHAMMER, DISCHARGE, MASTER, KREATOR, MASSACRE, SEPULTURA, and AGNOSTIC FRONT, but I’d be lying if I said I was half as enthusiastic about the forthcoming Leaders Not Followers 3. I guess you can have too much of a good thing. - 8.75 - <Jack>

NAPALM DEATH - The Code is Red... Long Live the Code · Century Media
Ever since these guys split with Earache, they have been hitting harder, faster, and a fuck of a lot more often. Seven releases in six years, granted two were cover-related and one was live, they appear more energetic as they wrap up the second decade of their career. Quite frankly, this is the fastest, most brutal NAPALM DEATH record ever made. Taking a page out of the book of the new wave of Grindcore bands whom they have influenced, echoes of unbridled extremity in league with NASUM, ROTTEN SOUND, and GADGET are felt throughout this gem. Mixing it up, as only they can, with a new found youthful Hardcore vitality and their own patented genius, you see we’re dealing with a monster of an album here. Now, there is a little filler, but that’ll happen when you release an album every three weeks. Speaking of ‘monsters,’ Barney’s roar sounds more venomous than ever before. Seriously, the dude sounds fucking possessed on this record! Featuring a militia of guest vocalists, Jamey Jasta lends his torn throat to "Instruments of Persuasion" and "Sold Short," two of the LP’s strongest cuts. Jello Biafra sings on "The Great and the Good," and somewhat surprisingly his legendary voice just doesn’t sound right put to NAPALM DEATH. To be honest, it sounds like complete shit. Ex-CARCASS singer Jeff Walker appears on "Pledge Yourself to You," damn I miss hearing this man snarl. Except for the GODFLESH-paced "Morale," The Code... doesn’t really let up for a second, and neither does this band. - 9.25 - <Jack>

NAPHOBIA - Of Hell · Club Fear
When you've got Gene Hoglan (ex-DARK ANGEL and DEATH) and Evil Chuck (DEATH, as if it would be possible to not know that) helping out (Chuck even lends a guitar solo), you know it's going to be good. And as you might expect, NAPHOBIA are obviously influenced by DEATH, but they bring their own spin to the style, and play it a bit heavier, maybe like a combination of latter day DEATH and DEICIDE. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

NAR MATARON - The Awakening of Ancient Greece · DEMO
After a long "pretty" synth & tribal drums intro, the destruction starts. NAR MATARON rip through some of the finest new wave Black Metal I’ve heard from a demo band in an long time. The music is intense as Hell and thanks to the band’s compositional skills, it’s also impossible to forget. Following the perfection is an outtro very similar to the intro. Do yourself a favor and check out this band. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

NARCOTIC GREED - Twicet of Fate · World Chaos
This Technical Japanese Thrash band is definitely rooted in the old-style clear, occasionally high-pitched vocals, but musically can be more "modern" sounding at times. It's an interesting combination of styles, and the energy is always off the chart. - 8 - <Ray>

NARCOZE - Genoma · Zenor Recordz
Imagine if METALLICA and CREMATORY were both Brazilian, and they decided to collaborate on a joint musical endeavor at the time of their respective sell out phases. Now imagine that for an hour. - 1 - <Jack>

NARNIA - Awakening · Nuclear Blast
Melodic traditional Metal with preachy Jesus lyrics. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

NARNIA - Desert Land · Nucler Blast
Wimpy, guitar hero Traditional / Power Metal. At least they're a little less forceful with the sermons this time. - 7 - <Ray>

NASFERATU - For the Blood is the Life · DEMO
I guess this is okay, but I wasn't really very impressed. Musically pretty Thrashy, and vocally screechy with some Death influences, I suppose. Nothing is really wrong with NASFERATU, but I didn't think this was too great, either. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

NATION OF FEAR - Everything Beautiful Rusts · Dimar
Here’s an abortion that I’ll describe as Pop Industrial with some Rap influences like "scratching" and those R&B dance beats I loathe so much. That money was wasted manufacturing this is just beyond belief. You know that life must truly suck when this isn’t even close to the worst thing I’ve ever heard. - 1.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

NATRIUM - The Day of Pain · Millennium Music/STD
Old School technical Thrash from Italy, influenced by the likes of DEATH, TESTAMENT, and KREATOR. Not bad, really, just extremely boring. - 6 - <Jack>

NAUSEA - The Punk Terrorist Anthology Volume 2: ‘85-‘88 · Alternative Tentacles
You know that smelly, filthy guy at the show with dreads that reeks of b.o. and begs for change to buy his squatter girlfriend beer and falafels? Chances are, this is one of his favorite bands. These guys (and gal) are right up there with DISCHARGE and AMEBIX as legendary in the annals of Crust/Punk. Now I’m not picking on the Crust Punks. When it comes to bands like DRILLER KILLER, DISRUPT and EXTREME NOISE TERROR, they and I are on the same page. But I just don’t see what the big deal is here. To me, NAUSEA sounds like the token snotty Punk band at the junior high talent show. Raw, fast, shitty-sounding, anti-everything, pro-everything, I appreciate it and all, but it gets fucking old. Maybe they were kick ass live, maybe it’s because one of their singers is a chick, whatever the secret is behind this band’s loyal following, it doesn’t work on me. - 6 - <Jack>

NEBIRAS - As the Sky Turns Black EP · Dark Journey
Pretty basic Black Metal, but at least the sound is good, except for the anemic guitar tone. Sometimes the playing is very sloppy, and the guitar solos are utter jokes. When they really concentrate, it's okay, but their attention seem to lapse fairly often. - 6.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEBRON - The Message · Dark Horizon
After all these times complaining about Black Metal bands and the goofy intros they all seem to love, along comes NEBRON with their sort of sorrowful keyboard instrumental intro. And I like it! But it prepared me for the wrong thing. After hearing that intro, I was ready for the symphonic variety of Black Metal, but that is not the case at all. No, NEBRON blast their way through a minute of raw speed an intensity - and then they slow down! It's almost Doomy sometimes, and even when playing at top speed, their thick sound is intact. And then they go right ahead and add in some keybaords in the next track, just to prove that they really can do it all. All this makes The Message an absolutley amazing combination of Black, Doom, and Death Metal. - 9.25 - <Ray>

NEBULAH - Promo 1996 · DEMO
Horrible production and sloppy playing. No wonder they list BATHORY as an influence. They honestly do have some good ideas that could have developed into great songs, but this material needs more work, and the band more practice. - 6 - <Ray> **MC11**

NEBULAR MOON - ...of Dreams and Magic · Last Episode
Majestic Black Metal that is well played and interesting. But as evil as this is, something seems to hold it back from perfection. They try out some different tempos, all of which sound convincing, and everything seems to be on their side, but some unknown quality just barely holds this back from flawlessness. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEBULAR MOON - Metamorphosis · CCP
This band's obsession with CRADLE OF FILTH is a little more obvious than I recall from their last album, ...of Dreams and Magic, but I guess that's okay. When the clean vocals are used, I'm not quite as interested, but it's not bad. The best parts are when things are slowed down a little and the band shows its lugubrious side, because it helps to give them a more individual identity. - 8.5 - <Ray>

NECROCANNIBAL - Somnambuliformic Possession · MetalAgen
Very energetic and speedy Death Metal with gory lyrics. It's not exactly a new concept, but when was the last time you heard of such a band from Russia? As you might expect, NECROCANNIBAL reminds me of another CANNIBAL band, but unfortunately they don't have such a great production to back them up, although it isn't bad. If they had a heavier sound (probably an impossible task, given how expensive studios are in Russia), NECROCANNIBAL would soundly pulverize bands in the league of BROKEN HOPE. I can only hope that some big label executive will read this (and the reviews of the other MetalAgen bands) and make these guys an offer, or at least license the MetalAgen stuff for release in the U.S. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

NECROLOGIST - Catatonic Neurosis · DEMO
This 2-man Death band has got a total handle on brutal, but like a lot of other bands, they need a better sounding recording. I know that's really difficult to accomplish most of the time, but these are good songs and they deserve to be heard. I'm also really glad to see a band from around here. Keep up the good work, guys. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROLOGIST - Fibers of Pain · DEMO
I don't think that I've ever received a demo where the band covers Mozart. Now I've really got you wondering about the other 6 songs. They're totally different, more like INCANTATION. That is to say, brutal for the sake of brutality. But, like a select few bands, the two members of NECROLOGIST manage to make their meat memorable, and that makes all the difference in the world. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

NECROMANCER - Tombstone Epitaph · Mortal Dreams
This kind of thick-sounding European-style Death Metal is cool, but NECROMANCER go that extra step and amid the heaviness and brutality, they remember that you need good riffs to make memorable songs. Excellent job. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

NECROMANCIA - Necromancia · DEMO
This demo starts with a very melodic guitar intro and then travels into the crypts of tortured Death/Doom (ooo!). This really has nothing new to offer, but some tired riffs and vocals. I sure wish a fucking band would try something new for once. I respect the effort, but the actual music falls very short of the standards set by the bands who did it first and did it best. (note: this band have changed their name to ANOREXIA NERVOSA) - 5.75 - <Jack> **MC9**

NECROMANTIA - Demo '93 · DEMO
First of all, a guitar is still too wimpy for these blasphemers: They continue to use two basses (1 four-string and 1 eight-string), and have a guest musician perform the guitar solos. This makes for a sick sounding recording. Extremely unholy Black Metal, and although there are only two songs, both are fairly long and very dark and disturbing. Especially "Les Litanies de Satan." If you think you can handle this, NECROMANTIA is one of the best Black Metal bands that exist, and this may be the Black demo. Ask them about their split LP with VARATHRON, and CD, too. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROMANTIA - Vampiric Rituals · DEMO
This review once more shows how behind I am getting this issue out. Anyway, NECROMANTIA is one of my favorite Black Metal bands, so my opinion is pretty biased, but this is awesome. Some Black bands try for a thin production, I guess to make sure they don't sound like a Death band, but NECROMANTIA isn't afraid of a heavier sound, and achieve it by, among other things, the use of two basses. It's an excellent idea, and only adds to the bands' greatness. Everything about these songs is inspiring, and each song is very unique. I can't say enough about this amazing band. You were told. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROMANTIA - Scarlet Evil Witching Black · Osmose
These guys have never been afraid to take chances, and this is perhaps their most diverse release to date. Of course there are (as always) no rhythm guitars, but there are occasional guitar solos, and some acoustic work mixed in with the dual bass assault. I rarely hear any type of horn used in an interesting (or at least not irritating) way in Metal, but the very infrequent sax somehow works for them. NECROMANTIA were one of the first of the "new wave" of Black Metal bands, and Scarlet Evil. proves that they are still very much on the cutting edge, but have sacrificed none of their trademark sound to stay there. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

NECROMASS - Mysteria Mystica Zofiriana · Unisound
These goat worshippers are so "true" as to not even include a track listing anywhere but on the CD itself! Praise the beast! There are some words of inspiration on the back of the CD box, but they are set in 4 point Old English, so I'm having a little trouble reading them. Anyway, these guys play what might be the most intense Black Metal I've ever heard. They combine the higher pitched screams, with somewhat lower ones, and slow, haunting tempos, with IMMORTAL speed spasms. The production is honestly stunning, with every instrument exploding through, yet all combining into a cacophony of utter sickness. Whoever is playing bass is maybe the best in the field of Black Metal. Next time include the lyrics, okay? I like to blaspheme along with the band. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NECRONY - Pathological Performances · Poserslaughter
The Industrial intro aside, this album is composed of monstrously brutal Death. The riffs are heavy and memorable. The speed varies from slow, almost groovy, to total Blast. Like the speed, the vocals also range from uncomprehendably raw, to a somewhat more understandable version of the classic Death rattle. In every way a classic album. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROPHAGIA - Season of the Dead · Red Stream
I’ve really got to hand it to Red Stream for reissuing this Thrash classic. I’m not sure how well this will be received today, but it’s a dream come true for all the band’s fans. Killjoy’s spoken / yelled vocals might keep those not already familiar with NECROPHAGIA away from this, as they’re sort of an acquired taste. Then again, with the current revival of old-style Thrash, perhaps this will do well, since it was actually recorded back in the day, so to speak. Anyway, I’m really glad to hear it. - 9 - <Ray> **MC11**

NECROPHOBIC - The Nocturnal Silence · Black Mark / Cargo
Very intense, and certainly Satanic, Death Metal. This is their best effort so far, and it is truly amazing. Nothing really new is done here, but everything just seems right. 'Nuff said. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROPHOBIC - Spawned by Evil EP · Black Mark
When this disc arrived, I was overjoyed. At last! We've all been waiting since '93 for their follow-up to the excellent The Nocturnal Silence. Unfortunately this isn't it. The title track is the only new one - the other three are SLAYER, VENOM, and BATHORY covers. Yes, they know what bands to cover. Yes, they do a superb job on them. And, yes the new song is great. Now let's have the new fucking LP! I need more! - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

NECROPHOBIC - Darkside · Black Mark
These blasphemers have traded in most of the Death Metal of their debut LP for a more clearly Black Metal approach. I do still hear a touch of DISMEMBER every once in a while, though, and there’s nothing wrong with that. For once I approve of a style change. NECROPHOBIC still do not have a totally unique sound, but they have really perfected this kind of fast, yet somewhat melodic, Black Metal, and written songs that stay in your mind. As much as I liked The Nocturnal Silence, this is easily superior. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

NECROPOLIS - Lust to Suffer · DEMO
Varying tempos, a thick, evil production, truly raw vocals, and excellent riffs make these four cuts some of the most memorable Death Metal I've heard recently from a demo band. NECROPOLIS really remind me of someone (BRUTALITY maybe?) but I can't seem to pinpoint it. At any rate, while these sickos don't really add anything new to the style, they definitely stand their ground and do have a somewhat individual sound. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

NECROPSY - Straight Hate · demo
Demo-level Death Metal from Poland. It isn’t bad, sort of like a broke Butchered at Birth-era CANNIBAL CORPSE spliced with a little FLESHGRIND. The grunt-laughing on "Sadistfaction" sounds fucking ridiculous, and song titles like "Greatest Fuck I’ve Ever Had" and "Dying Gladiator" lead me to believe the non-enclosed lyrics are probably a bit... well... Polish. On a level of musicianship and execution, they get a passing grade, but they’re going to have to step it up if they expect any kind of break. - 7.75 - <Jack>
necropsy.clan@wp.pl

NECROSANCT - Desolate · Black Mark / Cargo
This has one of the coolest album covers I've ever seen. Musically still pretty fast. I would say that if you liked their last album, you would like this one, too. No big changes, not that they needed any, to be found here. Just heavy, raw Death/Grind, which I happen to like fine as is. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROSIS - Crown of Thorns · DEMO
This is really an excellent demo. The great production is nothing compared to everything else. Justin varies his vocal style from an impressive Death wipeout, to screechy yells, to weird spoken word passages. Somehow he manages to make it all sound cool. The music varies about as much, and likewise is always awesome, always heavy, and always intense. Nothing about this is any less than outstanding. All the songs are, although pretty technical, instantly memorable, which is damn hard to accomplish, and every time I listen to them I hear something new. This is certainly one of the top 10 demos I've ever heard. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NECROSIS - Acta Sanctorum · Black Mark
I'm very glad to see a band who really deserves it get signed. NECROSIS are a monster of technical Death. Few bands could match their skill, and fewer still temper that skill with the ability to make their songs pretty heavy and memorable at the same time. The excellent production allows repeated listens to reveal subtle flourishes within the music. That's not something which is often said of a Death Metal band. Fuckin' classic. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NECROSNACT - Incarnate · Cargo/ Black Mark
Interesting. Almost Grind level speed sometimes (all right, a lot of the time). I have to admit to really, really liking the speed, and this shit is heavy too. The vocals are sung too fast and sound kinda hurried. That's no big problem, though. Inspirational quote: (From "Ritual Acts") "Pain is an illusion of the senses./ Despair is an illusion of the mind." Favorite track: "Exiternity." - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

NECROTIC MUTATION - Sepulchre of the Suffering · DEMO
Very professional looking and sounding. N.M. are balls out brutal, and thought to have gory lyrics as well. That's all just fine with me, but I don't really remember any of the riffs after the demo is over. I do remember that Daniel's vocals are inhumanly guttural, and that if you want something to pummel you unmercifully then this is the demo. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEEDLE - Needle · DEMO
The combination of Metal, Rock, Alternative, and Punk, with these sissified vocals can only equal disaster. - 5- <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

NEEDLEWORK - Needlework · DEMO
Pretty intense Deathrash with pissed off vocal screams. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

THE NEFILIM - Zoon · Metal Blade
I must admit to having never heard Goth legends FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, but I must assume that this is something of a departure for their frontman, Carl McCoy. This covers all the ground from dark Ambient to Death Metal. No bullshit, when they want to be, THE NEFILIM are at least as heavy as, say, new BENEDICTION. I think that they come at this style from some direction other than Metal, though, but they play and sing with great conviction and it is undeniably intense. More than half of the songs are in this "heavy" mode, and the remainder range from very modern sounding Industrial with distorted vocals, to acoustic guitars and clean singing. This certainly wasn't what I was expecting, but it's an innovative release, that combines many styles. I can imagine this appealing to a really wide cross-section of the Underground - I know it does to me. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

NEFROPTOSIS - The Last Day in the Abyss · TOAJ
Maybe it’s because they’re so skilled at their instruments, but once you hear the Thrashy Death Metal played by NEFROPTOSIS, it’s hard to get it out of your head. Intensity, ability, imagination. They have it all, really. Hopefully we’ll be hearing a lot more from them. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

NEGATIVE REACTION - The Orbit 7" · Game Two
As you would expect from Game Two, this is a lightning fast, extreme speedfest! Just kidding! I’ve already reviewed about 1000 things for this issue (I always do the 7"s last for some reason), so I’m running out of things to say, but anyone who knows anything, knows that Game Two is home to Doom and Sludge exclusively, and NEGATIVE REACTION is of course no exception. I can hear the influences of SLEEP and other "stoner" groups, but more than these newer bands, I hear early BLACK SABBATH, or at least certain bits of SABBATH, which is okay with me. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEGATOR - Old Black · Magick
This is supposed to invoke the feeling of old, and bring to mind the dark pasts of DIMMU BORGIR, MAYHEM, and IMMORTAL. And in a way, it kinda does. It makes me wish I was listening to those bands instead. - 5.5 - <Jack>

NEGURA BUNGET - Zirnindu – Sa · Breath of Night
Violent Black Metal from the nether realms of Romania. The music from this duo exhumes a consistency in terror not found in many bands with more numbers. It’s raw and focused, and these guys don’t believe too much of one thing is a bad thing. They’ve discovered their formula for extreme Black Death and exploit it fully. The production could be better but it’s mixed very well in lieu of this. - 7.5 - <Bob> **MC12**

NEITHER - s/t · demo
A 3-song demo/CD-R of atmospheric Death Metal with a few good ideas. Unfortunately most of them have already been thought of. You know what I mean? Some really good riffs, but you could swear you’d heard them before. The keyboards add a nice touch, but it’s not quite enough to save the recording, and the vocals are extremely dull. Still, I would advise this band to keep plugging away, as originality isn’t really something you can work on, it just comes naturally. Overall, some decent hooks but a long way to go. - 7 - <Jack>
contact@neitherband.com

NEMA - Nema · (rehearsal) DEMO
The tracks I have are pretty raw versions, but one thing is clear: The songs are good. It's hard to say much more, since the sound quality is extremely low. But I think that with even a four-track recorder, NEMA has some serious potential. - 7 - <Ray> **MC8**

NEMBRIONIC - Incomplete · Displeased
This was a lot more intense than I thought it would be. However, as this disc progresses, the Death/Grind starts to give way, as the weirder elements come more to the forefront, culminating in the spastic, insane, drunken/stoned final track. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEMBRIONIC - Psycho One Hundred · Displeased
I think these guys want to be referred to as "Extended Metal." And I guess that's a pretty good term for them. They are usually fast, but can get slower when they feel like it. Then there are the more experimental parts of the title track, which are for some reason tracked separately. Pretty interesting release, and certainly worth a listen. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NENIA - La Casa del Dolore · Beyond...
All "eerie" intro, little to no music. It's like a horror soundtrack gone terribly boring. - 2 - <Ray>

NEPHASTH - Immortal Unholy Triumph · WWIII / Mercenary
REBAELLIUN, ABHORRENCE, and now NEPHASTH. I'm just going to have to get used to the fact that everyone is going to try to be KRISIUN now. Maybe I'm a bit of a bastard to be condescending to a group of guys who have worked hard enough to play 500 notes a minute at 350 bpm for a half hour straight, but the shit's a fucking bore, alright? If you need fourth rate KRISIUN, it's here. - 7 - <Jack>

NEPHASTH - Immortal Unholy Triumph · WWIII / Mercenary
This is brutal Brazilian Death in the KRISIUN / REBAELLIUN vein. It is, by no means, groundbreaking or original, but it's damn good! The song structures are varied enough to keep them from all sounding alike, and the sound is tight, albeit a little thinly produced. Immortal Unholy Triumph immediately stomps on the accelerator and never really lets up. Fans of this style of fast, complicated Death Metal will find all the speed and brutality they can handle here. - 8.75 - <Painkiller>

NERGAL - The Wizards of Nerath · Unisound
More Greek Black Metal. And yes, these guys have keyboards and sound a little like the Greek forefathers ROTTING CHRIST. But wait, what are those shrieks of horror? Are those screams of abyssic pain and suffering the vocals? Yes, my friends, they are. More tortured sounds have not been heard from anyone. Thanks to Unisound's irritating practice of leaving the inside of the CD booklet totally blank, I really don't know what the lyrics are about, but I think that a lot of the time it's simply screams of pain. That's pretty cool, if you ask me. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

NERVOCHAOS - Nervochaos · DEMO
Wisely realizing that songs can be both brutal and memorable, NERVOCHAOS successfully inject a little Hardcore feeling into their Death. The result is a demo that’s easy to remember, especially the first cut, "Liar, Loser," but also very intense and heavy. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

NERVOCHAOS - Pay Back Time · Muvuca
It would be easy to say that NERVOCHAOS play super intense Thrash and leave it at that. But the truth is that they cover a much wider range of styles than that suggests. Some tracks, such as "Bastard Pig," are more like Crust with simple riffs and dual vocals. While others are heavier, more Death Metal influenced, sometimes a little like BENEDICTION. And still others seem to be injected with Hardcore aggression and even groove. While others are more straight ahead Thrashers. It’s almost as if NERVOCHAOS came upon Extreme Metal by way of Punk and it’s derivatives (Hardcore, Crust, Crossover). However they got here, my Brazilian brothers have honed their melting pot of styles into near-perfection. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEURAXIS - Imagery · Neoblast
Now this is some good god damn Death Metal! Low, deep, and psychotically technical. In several ways very similar to OPPRESSOR. Judging from some of the reviews I’ve read of this CD, the Underground seems to be knee deep in sperm over these guys, and it doesn’t surprise me. When you have such a deadly sharp sound with vocals ranging from subterranean to schizophrenic, and still manage to make it memorable, you are going to get recognized. I guarantee a bigger label picks up this fresh act, so don’t pass up the opportunity to hear this band in their cocoon stage, and I use the term loosely. If this band gets any heavier, people could die. - 9.5 - <Jack> **MC12**

NEURO TOXIN - World Wide Hatred · DEMO
NEURO TOXIN is from Indiana (Lake Village). The members are: Randy Mudrich (vocals), Bryan Lanting (lead guitar), Mike Domelle (bass), Sam Ambrosini (guitar) and Doug Edwards (drums). The songs on this demo are all played well, and the recording sounds good. I think that Randy sounds something like Sean from VIO-LENCE. This band is hard to describe: they seem to be influenced by many different bands, yet somehow manage to avoid what fucks up so many other bands; they do not stray too far out of their realm. What I mean is that NEURO TOXIN is both Thrash and Death, yet somehow is also beyond such terms. A lot of bands claim to have a very individual sound, usually this is amounts to some weird stuff thrown in just to be different, or the band just sucks (or is lying). NEURO TOXIN however, is different, yet not so different as to piss me off. I really like this band, and I think you should get this demo! - 8.75 - <Ray>
{Long time favorites of mine, NEURO TOXIN were plagued by line-up changes throughout their career. I’m not really sure how it happened, but this band slipped through the record label cracks, and was never signed. Obviously a sign of how completely this world sucks rabid dog cock. After a sort of bootleg live recording and four other demos (the last of which was a two-songer from 1995), as well as an appearance on a Pavement Records compilation CD, NEURO TOXIN, known worldwide as being the coolest band anywhere, decided to go their separate ways. Hopefully all the former members will put their considerable talents to evil use in the near future.} **MC3**

NEURO TOXIN - End of Design · DEMO
This is the second demo from these Indiana Thrash freaks. To begin with, the cover is full color, and the lyrics, as well as a thanks list are included. This is a quality package. Now for the songs: Not all of them are new to this demo, "Suffering Belief" and "Public Execution" were both on their first demo, Worldwide Hatred. They have been re-recorded here with the new line-up. This is energetic, original and memorable Thrash. Favorite track: "End of Design". - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC5**

NEURO TOXIN - Nothing In Focus · DEMO
Two new songs and two classic NEURO tracks makes this impossible to pass up. These guys are certainly the greatest Thrash band of all time. If you think someone is better: You're wrong. End of story. The new songs show an increasing heaviness, but no loss of the emotion or energy, which is present in galactic proportions. And, of course, they are as memorable as if Willie Gee had been playing them to me all my life. As you would expect, the newly recorded "End of Design" and "Before the Sleep" have bettered with age, especially "End." The only thing keeping this from a perfect rating is the lack of new material, but I guess making songs this good takes a lot of time, so I'll give 'em a break. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

NEURO TOXIN - Neurotoxin 1994 · DEMO
Two more new tracks from one of my all time favorite bands. Heavier than ever, and also even more complex. The songs swing from full speed Thrash attack to overpoweringly crushing. I don't know who plays what solo in "The Truth Denied," but there is one which is so above all other solos that Michael Denner would cry to hear it. Larry's occasional use of a megaphone (or whatever it is) to alter his vocals in "Absence of Devastation" leaves me cold, and keeps this from receiving a perfect rating, which I sort of feel bad about, since the music is deserving of a 10. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEURO TOXIN - 2 Song Advance Sampler 1995 · DEMO
This is a little different than I had expected. Larry's vocals are a bit more raw, which seems strange to me, and the first song, "Blind Me," is for the most part more straight forward than usual. The other song, "Somnambulant," has some more experimental parts, but those unfortunately include Larry again singing through what sounds like a megaphone, and even when not doing that, he keeps the rough style of the first song. I'm just not used to hearing him sing like this, I guess. The guys come through with some amazing playing, but every now and then one of those new-style "Power Metal" kind of riffs pokes its nasty little head through. Perhaps new bassist Mark Vasquez has altered their sound. One final note to Larry: Please reconsider the use of distortion on your vocals. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEUROPATHIA - Graveyard Cowboys · Selfmadegod
I had high hopes for this one, as I’d read this band features members of the mighty SQUASH BOWELS. Well, it’s nowhere near that level of insanity, but it is okay. Mostly mid-paced CARCASS worship with a more straightforward Death Metal feel, although they will frequently blast into a Grind moment. I’m impressed, just not blown away. - 8.5 - <Jack>

NEUROSIS - Souls at Zero · Alternative Tentacles
Alternative/ Thrash/ Industrial. With occasional horns. NEUROSIS is a very original band that combines the best elements of several musical styles into a new form. The music is heavy, heavier than most Thrash, and experimental, yet also memorable. Perhaps because it is so different. The vocals are often raw: screeched Thrashlike. A range of styles is covered here, and sometimes the music approaches Doom, or shifts to a more Progressive sound. From my very first listen, I raved about this album and my enthusiasm has only grown since. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC7**

NEUROTICA - Seed · NMG
Kelly (ex-ATHEIST) Shaefer’s new band. Sounds like GNR with a little WHITE ZOMBIE, and was produced by Brian Johnson. - 5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

NEVERMORE - Nevermore · Century Media
Call me a throw-back, but I happen to still like heavy Thrash with melodic vocals. And this guy has a pretty powerful voice - it's not wimpy at all, simply not growly. Okay, he does get a little out of control every once in a while, but it's cool. Thrash-wise, this is pretty intense stuff, too. Very enjoyable. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEVERMORE - In Memory EP · Century Media
The three re-recorded demo tracks are on par with their self-titled debut, but the brand-new "Optimist or Pessimist" crushes them, and Warrel's melodic vocals on all the cuts are stronger than ever. The only letdown is their BAUHAUS cover-medly, "Silent Hedges/Double Dare," which is not exactly uninteresting, but is easily the weakest link. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

NEVERMORE - The Politics of Ecstasy · Century Media
This band seems to get heavier with every release, their intense Thrash more complex, the clean vocals more powerful. It's easy to get drawn into this CD and let it play on repeat for several hours, with each repetition revealing more and more. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC10**

NEVERMORE - Dreaming Neon Black · Century Media
Maybe it’s ‘cause I’m insane, or maybe it’s the addition of Tim Calvert on guitar, but parts of this really remind me of FORBIDDEN’s Twisted Into Form. NEVERMORE have a lot of people all excited these days, and it’s not too hard to hear why. Their Thrash onslaught is pretty intense and very memorable, and they do seem to do their level best to get a bit heavier with every release. But that is also a little problem on here. They have tried to put too much beef into this guitar sound, and as a result, the production isn’t always what it could be, with the guitars occasionally muddying up the mix and overpowering everything with a multifrequency "wuuuh," if you know what I mean. Not that it’s the biggest flaw, or that I normally even mention stuff like that, but Century Media does pride themselves on awesome production values these days, so I thought I should point it out. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEVERMORE - Dead Heart in a Dead World · Century Media
Before I get this review started, I would like to sincerely thank whoever it was at Century Media for at least including the lyrics for this album in the press kit. That kind of thing does help. Anyway, this is not surprising modern-sounding, in the vein of HALFORD, maybe, but also fuses that sort of sound and rhythms with more old-school Thrash, which is also not surprising, considering how long NEVERMORE has been around. Also featuring a kinda weird cover of "The Sound of Silence." - 8.5 - <Ray>

NEW EDEN - Obscure Master Plan · Nuclear Blast
This Progressive Metal / Thrash outfit (maybe like FORBIDDEN, or a weak try at DARK ANGEL) really has its moments, and the playing is flawless throughout. But there are some problems with the vocals and the music, which seem to be at odds every now and then. And, despite the speed, there is occasionally a real lack of intensity, that is brought on by trying to do to much at once, I think. Maybe their next release will iron out the bugs. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NEW IDOL SON - Reach · Pavement
Sorta groove-oriented Metal, with super memorable riffs. Very smooth vocals, but not wimpy sounding. This is somewhat of a return to a much older style, maybe like TROUBLE or ST.VITUS, but faster, and not Doomy. Adjective-less Metal is back. Cool. Very cool. The only bad part is that the lyrics are all so similar that I wonder if this is supposed to be some kind of concept album. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NEW SOCIETY OF ANARCHISTS - Riot Gun · 24-Seven
This is perhaps a bit more intense than I remember N.S.A. being. The vocals and music are a little more on the Hardcore side of things this time, which is of course 100% intentional, but the guitar tone and drumming style cross them over into the infernal realms of Metal. Very nicely done, by the way. It’s good to hear a band improve with each release, as N.S.A. have done. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

THE NEWLYDEADS - The Newlydeads · Mutiny / Bubble
What do you get when former FASTER PUSSYCAT Taime Downe listens to too much NINE INCH NAILS? I promised that I wouldn’t be too hard on this, so I’d better just say that it was like being repeatedly tapped on the head with a spoon, and that if it were supposed to be funny I might not think it was utterly useless, but it would still be pretty close. Better luck next time. - 2.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

NICTA - Dark Rays Rip the Light · $? (CDR demo)
Maybe I'm not the right member of the Metal Curse staff to be reviewing this, since my tolerance for Power Metal vocals is not what it was 20 years ago. Still, this is very well written and played, and even the vocals are occasionally raspy, which I like a lot more than the usual substandard HELLOWEEN-worship. The CDR also contains a fairly well done multimedia section with the usual biography, photos, etc... - 7.5 - <Ray>
www.nicta.cjb.net

NIDEN DIV. 187 - Towards Judgement EP · Necropolis
Although the band apparently doesn't wish to be classified as Black Metal, they're very clearly one of the new breed of fast Black bands - screechy vocals and all - and they bring very little of their own identity little to the style. They do a competent job, but so do all the others, and some far better. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC10**

NIDEN DIV. 187 - Impergium · Necropolis
This is simply a continuation of the fast straightforward Black Metal found on their Toward Judgement [sic] EP. Not bad, but also not exactly inspirational. - 7.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

NIFELHEIM - Devil’s Force · Necropolis
Ahh, some more Black Metal, this time taking some influence from the ancient masters, and combining it with the speed of more modern blasphemers. Pretty fuckin’ sick. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

NIFELHEIM - Servants of Darkness · Black Sun
Total fucking BATHORY worship! This is the spirit of the first few BATHORY albums reincarnated. These Satan-loving maniacs do a fine job of retaining the glorious feel of the Old School while maintaining a modern Swedish sound complete with good production. It is no secret that Black Metal is dying from stagnation and imitation, but with Servants of Darkness, NIFELHEIM declare their independence from said copycats, and strive to keep Hell's flame burning bright. I commend their efforts and urge all to sample their brand of pure guitar-based misanthropy. Cream of the cult: "Sadistic Blood Massacre," "Bestial Avenger," title track. - 9 - <Jack>

NIGEL PEPPER COCK - The New Way · Life is Abuse
I really hope that this band's extreme homocore Village People image is a joke, because it's honestly disturbing. And I'm not disturbed by early CARCASS album covers, Faces of Death, scat porn, snuff films, or even Star Wars: Episode One - The Phantom Menace. Nothing gets to me. Except this. These guys apparently have an obsession with dicks, and there are pictures of the gayest looking men in the universe all over this - sometimes jerking each other off, others just standing around naked, or preparing to drink the semen out of their own used condoms. Seriously! How could I make up something like that? I checked with several women and normal homosexuals to make sure that I wasn't overreacting, and they all agree - this is fucking disgusting and not in any way funny. So if NPC wanted to do something that would freak people out, mission accomplished. But what of the music, you ask? Seeing as how this is on Life is Abuse records, I was worried that it might actually be good, musically. But we review everything we get, so I had to give it a listen. And because I guess not everything is against me at all times, my reference CD player absolutely refused to play it! My review copy is a CDR, so that might have something to do with it, but I'll never know. To paraphrase ANAL CUNT: I just reviewed the gayest thing on Earth. - 0 - <Ray>

NIGHT CONQUERS DAY - Rebellion is the Art of Survival · Hammerheart
This is the second strike by American nihilistic blasphemers NIGHT CONQUERS DAY and much in the vein of their debut, this is brutal yet atmospheric with more than a little MERCYFUL FATE influence. Another influence that I caught was DISSECTION. The riffing definitely has that DISSECTION / IN FLAMES / AT THE GATES feel in many places. The MERCYFUL FATE influence pops up in the vocals occasionally (when Mike lets out a King Diamond style banshee wail) but I think Denner and Sherman were powerful influences in the soloing department. All of the songs on Rebellion is the Art of Survival are epic length and the only thing clocking in under 10 minutes in length is the intro (which, in itself, is a minute and a half long). The problem many bands have when they decide to make epic length songs is the fact that they make the songs overly drawn out. When that happens, they get overly repetitive or boring. Most often, they are both. And that's bad news. Luckily, NIGHT CONQUERS DAY has managed to make songs that are long but engaging at the same time. And talk about giving you more bang for your Black Metal dollar - this CD clocks in at over 70 minutes! If you like Black / Death Metal in the vein of DISSECTION with more atmosphere and some experimentation, NIGHT CONQUERS DAY is definitely worth listening to. - 9 - <Ychoril>

NIGHT IN GALES - Sylphlike EP · DEMO (CD)
N.I.G. are more or less in the same style as DISSECTION, which is to say fast, melodic, catchy Death Metal with screechy vocals. Every aspect of the music, vocals, and production is approaching perfection. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

NIGHT IN GALES - Towards the Twilight · Nuclear Blast
When these super-technical Black Thrashers assured me that this full-length debut would improve upon their self released EP, Sylphlike, I was skeptical. It was very close to perfection, and that’s pretty god damn hard to beat. One listen to this masterpiece proved that they were right. You’ve never heard more memorable songs, better composition, more flawless playing, or a better production. This is the definition of perfection, by which others will be measured. DISSECTION and all the others better watch their fucking backs, because NIGHT IN GALES are here to kill, and are now the masters. - 10 - <Ray> **MC11**

NIGHT IN GALES - Thunderbeast · Nuclear Blast
Ahh, NIGHT IN GALES. They’ll never disappoint with their technical Black Thrash, and although is maybe just slightly less than perfect, they are still well beyond their peers. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

NIGHT IN GALES - Nailwork · Nuclear Blast
I've always worshipped this band, but I'm not sure what to make of this album. They're trying some new things, mostly with different vocal styles, but also with the kinds of riffs and song structures. Unfortuantley there are times when all the diverging ideas come together to sound like a bad latter-day FLOTSAM AND JETSAM rip off. And their cover of "Black Velvet" is musically okay, but a perfect example of all that is vocally wrong with this album. Some experiments work and some don't. Stick to the two or three more harsh vocal styles, and dump the other 42 weak and/or retarded ones. I feel weird not giving a NIGHT IN GALES album at least a 9.5, but I just call 'em like I hear 'em, and the vocals really dragged this down for me. Hopefully they'll have this out of their systems now, and will be back on track to perfection with their next album. - 8 - <Ray>

NIGHT TO DIE - All Evil Crying EP · Repulse
Well played memorable Death, with quite a few melodic moments. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NIGHTFALL - Parade Into Centuries · Holy
I was sent only a four-song advance of this album, but these are four intense songs! If the rest of the album is this great (and I don't see why it wouldn't be), it would be one of the best Death Metal releases of all time. Amazing. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC8**

NIGHTFALL - Macabre Sunsets · Holy
This picks up right where Parade... left off. Except it's even more intense, and thankfully I was sent the full CD this time, so I can really tell you that every second of this album will kill you. There is no weakness, but there is plenty of experimentation with absolutely no loss of power. Actually this is even more powerful than before. Totally amazing. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NIGHTFALL - Eons Aura EP · Holy
I think you'd better buy this one. It's only four songs, but everything is perfect. Excellent production, riffs, vocals, and style. Which, speaking of style, is a weird cross of Death and Black Metal (both musically and vocally), with some keyboards thrown in every here and there to really fuck you up. The intensity is matched by the experimentation, and for once the correct balance has been achieved. They even outdo the original with their cover of MANOWAR's "Thor." The only, and I mean only, problem with this EP, is that their next album couldn't possibly live up to it. One for the vaults. - 10 - <Ray> **MC9**

NIGHTFALL - Athenian Echoes · Holy
War Metal! They somehow manage to keep up the intensity found on Eons Aura for virtually this entire album. And that is no small accomplishment. The beginning of the seventh track is a dance-beat mess, but that is corrected within about 30 seconds, so the damage is minimal. This has maybe the best production of any Metal album of any kind, ever. Holy Records really went all out on this, and of course they knew that there was no risk involved - not when dealing with NIGHTFALL. All hail Satan and reopen the vault! - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NIGHTFALL - Diva Futura · Holy
Unfortunately I missed out on at least an EP since their Lesbian Show album, and they have continued to refine their sound in the meantime. As strange as it might sound, I’m sort of reminded of new ROTTING CHRIST in some places. This has that sort of sound and production. It’s very refined and easy to remember, but I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t like to hear just a touch more aggression, or a slightly raw edge. But that’s not really what NIGHTFALL are about, and you’d be hard pressed to find a band that can play this "Slick Metal" style any better. Come to think of it, I’m surprised that they’re not signed to Century Media. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

NIGHTINGALE - The Breathing Shadow · Black Mark
Finally I get to hear the solo work of Dan Swano (EDGE OF SANITY, PAN-THY-MONIUM), and although it is musically very accomplished (Dan did everything from the writing to the final mix in a span of only 7 days), I find myself getting little enjoyment out of this dark-edged Hard Rock. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC10**

NIGHTINGALE - I · Black Mark
Much like the other two NIGHTINGALE albums, this is energetic Hard Rock from my old friend Dan Swanö (ex-EDGE OF SANITY, BLOODBATH, PAN-THY-MONIUM, and others...) and company. Some of the songs are dark and moody, and everything is of course superbly played and recorded, but as I'm not a big fan of this style, it's hard for me to make the conversion. If all the songs were as suicidally depressing as "Alonely," not only would this have gotten a ten, but I'd be dead. As a side note, the booklet for this CD is a huge 32 pages and contains the lyrics for not only this album, but the other two as well! - 8 - <Ray>

NIGHTLY GALE - ...and Jesus Wept · Pagan
At first the music is depressing and suicidal in a sort of unique way, which I like, and even the vocals are suitably tortured. But then things calm down and the music sort of morphs into "Dark Metal," while the vocals just get stupid. There are moments of this album that are outstanding, but there are also parts, such as the horns for only one example, that are just embarassing. - 7.5 - <Ray>

NIGHTMARE - Cosmovision · Napalm
These guys are Prog-Metal wannabes, with a singer who sounds like he'd fit just right in JOURNEY. Wait - that might be too mean to Steve Perry, or whatever his name is. If not for the hard work of the drummer (why do so many queer bands have good drummers?!?) this album would be so lightweight that it would drift off into the atmosphere. It's just pathetic - a complete failure at everything the band must have been attempting. The only value here is that of unintentional comedy, or perhaps as a drink coaster. - 1 - <Ray>

NIGHTMARE - Silent Room · Napalm
Symphonic Ass Metal with choirs. Does Napalm require a positive HIV test as a prerequisite to their signing agenda? As is always the tragic case with Metal of the Buttock variety, the music is not bad at all. It's actually quite reminiscent of KING DIAMOND / MERCYFUL FATE when they are in all-out Thrash mode, however, the singer sounds like Bruce Dickinson passing a kidney stone. Sorry, guys. I'm here, I'm not queer, so deal with it. - 4 - <Jack>

NIGHTMARE LODGE - Blind Miniatures · Red Stream
Ambient movie soundtrack kind of stuff. Or it might be more accurate to say "war soundtrack" kind of stuff, since apparently this album is about war. When I’m in the right mood, I really like this sort of thing... - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

NIGHTMARE LODGE - Tentacled · Red Stream
This kind of, well, I guess I'll call it "Ambient" even though there are sparse drums in some of these tracks, is hard for me to describe. But I will say that it's not as "dark" as you might think it would be... Apparently this is a compilation of remixed tracks from N.L.'s previous releases, plus a few extras, including a great cover of "The Shape," which is the theme from the movie Halloween. Some of the cuts on here, such as the ominous title track, really stand out as incredible. - 8.5 - <Ray>

NIGHTRAGE - Descent Into Chaos · Century Media
Sweet Vengeance, NIGHTRAGE’s debut album, in my opinion was the closest Tomas Lindberg had come to recapturing the glorious feel of his legendary old band, AT THE GATES. (Don’t get me wrong, I love THE GREAT DECEIVER, but that’s a different beast altogether.) The only problem with that album was the occasional Butt Rock vocals of some queer from some gay Ass Metal band. Enter Descent Into Chaos, overflowing with strong Gothenburg vibes and serious classic Thrash bite, and the Ass vocal situation has been rectified. Nothing but Lindberg’s godly sandpaper lungs grace this album, aside from a guest appearance from DARK TRANQUILLITY’s Mikael Stanne on "Frozen" (marking the coolest thing he’s done in seven years). Granted, if Lindberg didn’t sing for this band, they’d probably be lumped in with all the other faceless AT THE GATES copycats, but he’s obviously here for a reason. With his trademark vocal style entwined with this band’s soaring melodies and razor sharp intensity, you’d have to force yourself not to like this. Suggested mix selections: "Poems," "Frozen," "Silent Solitude," and "Omen." - 9.5 - <Jack>

NIGHTSIDE - The End of Christianity · Sound Riot
Here we have a healthy dose of speedy Black Death. Keyboards are used at times, but are always kept secondary to the guitars and blazing drums. The great, slightly raw, production and harsh raspy vocals add to the already intense listening experience. - 8.75 - <Ray>

NIGHTSKY BEQUEST - Keep the Lonely Trees · Counter Attack
Every now and then, the depressing sounds of acoustic guitar and female vocals are crushed beneath a wall of guitar distortion and drums, but other than that, this could almost be termed Acoustic Doom. And it’s pretty cool, too. - 8 - <Ray> **MC11**

NIGHTSKY BEQUEST - Of Sea, Wind and Farewell · X-Rated
This is very pretty and delicate, with nice female vocals. So, I guess if you need an even tamer version of THE GATHERING, here you go. It didn't do much for me, though. - 7.5 - <Ray>

NIGHTWISH - Wishmaster · Century Media
The keyboards and "beautiful" female vocals often make this a tranquil listen, but there are also sections of aggressive drumming and sort of Thrashy riffs that are in some ways reminiscent of newer THERION. Honestly, I think that I like the most mellow parts of this the best, which I suppose is weird. I don't know how often I'll listen to it, but Wishmaster is pretty interesting. - 7.75 - <Ray>

NIHIL - Drown · Slipdisc
Sometimes NIHIL’s Industrial drones approach the level of prime GODFLESH heaviness. Sometimes it’s bloody crap. They do have some good samples, though. I’d go easier on them if I honestly thought that there was any hope that they’ll look back on this release and see the same weaknesses that I do, rather than viewing what heaviness is here as a "mistake" to be fixed next time around. - 7 - <Ray> **MC11**

NIHILIST - Promo 2004 · demo
Now, I don’t expect these drunken redneck, white trash pieces of shit to know anything about the real NIHILIST. After all, the Dollar General nearest to their trailer park probably has never carried any ENTOMBED CDs, and it’s obvious by listening to their "promo" (aka: basement-made CD-R), a piss-poor SLAYER rip-off with idiotic trailer trash lyrics, that they don’t know anything about Metal in general. Still, there’s just a part of me deep inside that would like to see them all shot in the groin with a double-barreled shotgun and left to bleed to death in the desert anyway. Fucking clueless poser scum. - 1 - <Jack>
www.nihilistmetal.com

NIKLAUS - Niklaus · Metal Agen
There must be little else to do in Russia other than practice your chosen instrument, because these dudes are supreme masters. They cover a wide range of ground from RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS to RANCID to maybe (Act III era) DEATH ANGEL, and impress me more & more with each song. And it’s not just that the playing is flawless, or that the songs are all super complex and technically difficult to play. It’s that despite all that, they have a tremendous amount of energy, and the songs are really catchy. Plus the production is ultra clear, and really does a great job of letting the complexity of the songs shine through without sounding "overproduced." I’d be lying if I claimed that much of what this band plays is my favorite style, and I think it’s pretty safe to say that NIKLAUS’ influences (while they are many) are easy to spot, but I’d put them up against Flea and the other HOT CHILLIs any time you want. This may be a case of the students surpassing the masters. If you like Funky Punk Metal or whatever, then this would probably be flawless to you. And it’s pretty close in any case. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

NILE - Nile · DEMO
Heavy Thrash in a sort of older style. I'm a little reminded of DARK ANGEL around the time of their Time Does Not Heal album, in both music and vocals, which is, to me at least, pretty cool. They experiment a little bit with such things as different vocal styles, moving into the realm of Death at times, and what sounds like keyboards, but could be KING DIAMOND-like vocal harmonies. But mostly NILE deliver five heavy, memorable songs. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

NILE - Festivals of Atonement · DEMO
This may belong in the LP/EP reviews section, as the label reads Anubis records. I think that Anubis records is a creation of the band, and that this is a demo on CD, but I may be wrong. Anyway, this is more intense and certainly more in the Death category than their self-titled demo. The music is as heavy and memorable as ever, perhaps more so, but now incorporates more speed and the playing has improved to the point that if it were not so intensely emotional, I would say that it is machine-like in its precision. The vocals are considerably more raw, and yet still distinct. NILE have managed to carve out a fairly unique and interesting sound for themselves. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

NINE INCH NAILS - The Downward Spiral · Nothing / Interscope / TVT / Atlantic
Probably more experimental and less guitar oriented than Broken, but still pretty interesting. I really like the highly processed sound on this album, but not all the songs really grab me, although the ones that do, grab pretty hard. Very interesting packaging, too. - 8 - <Ray> **MC8**

NINEFINGER - Incendiary / Dr. Feelgood 7" · Rhetoric
Well, anyone who covers MOTLEY CRUE is either a dork or very brave. NINEFINGER are pretty messy and noisy, so I'm not really sure as to their intentions with the cover, but it's probably a joke. The other side is just as chaotic, with a bunch of noises on top on the song, and vocals buried somewhere inside a transistor radio from 1911. This is weird stuff, but I guess it's sort of entertaining. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NIRNAETH - Haudh’ en’ Nirnaeth · Abstract Emotions
I don’t know what to make of this. I suppose it’s an attempt at neo-Classical, with all the keyboards and violins, but it’s a weak try. There is little power or emotion to the music, and what is there is ruined when the "singer" just talks his way through the lyrics. Sure, he actually sings for a line or two, and there are even a few seconds of Black Metal inspired screeches, but that stuff’s pretty tame, too. - 4.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

THE NIXONS - Foma · MCA
Bad ALICE IN CHAINS rip-off kinda thing. Not completely shit, but pretty close. - 5.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NME - Unholy Death · Moribund
For some of us, the release of this slab of Proto-Death is great news indeed! It features their demos, plus a previously unknown cover of VENOM's "In Nomine Satanas," and some surprises. It's pretty sloppy, and of course the "production" is nowhere to be found. But the energy and attitude is here, as are the songs, of course. And who needs polish and glitter, anyway? This is the original meat. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

NO INNOCENT VICTIM - Flesh and Blood · Victory
Nice thick guitar tone and pissed off vocals are the high points of this memorable Hardcore album. There is so much quality Hardcore out there these days, that even a band this good isn’t all that special anymore. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC12**

NO INNOCENT VICTIM - Tipping the Scales EP · Victory
Well, as good as this is, at less than 22 minutes, I can't with any accuracy call this an album, even though it does have 11 tracks. However, keeping the songs short is one of the many things that work in the favor of NIV. That, plus their tremendous intensity has allowed them to craft a great Hardcore EP. But it's hard for me to not be disappointed at how short this disc is. Of course that just means that I like it and want to hear more... - 8 - <Ray>

NO PROMISES - Face Human Soul · DEMO
There’s a lot to like about this demo. The production is clear and sick enough to allow the brutality of NO PROMISES’ Death Metal to come alive. And the vocals are raspy and raw, but not really all that low, which gives them a sort of UNLEASHED feeling at times. The mix really highlights the guitars, which is fine with me of course, but it does tend to leave the great vox in the background, and keep this from its full potential. But just barely. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NO REDEEMING SOCIAL VALUE - Rocks the Party · Striving For Togetherness
Any Hardcore band who was invited to play with IRON MAIDEN has clearly got to be cool. Anyway, these guys sound more like M.O.D. than like INTEGRITY, and one of their two singers yells, while the other (I'm not sure which voice goes with which guy) has an awesome phlegmy deep rasp, kind of like BLOODY MARY. If you like 'Core, you'll like this - it's as simple as that. - 9 - <Ray> **MC10**

NO REFUND - 3 Dead Dicks · BFD
I haven't heard anything like thins since the first MUCKY PUP album, and I didn't know how to describe it then either, except to say that it's cool. I'll try harder: NO REFUND play a sort of very exact and intense Hardcore, with generally short songs, and mostly funny lyrics. These guys are genuinely clever, and the music is extremely catchy. I like this a lot. - 9 - <Ray> **MC9**

NO SANER - Live at GMU · DEMO
I like the intro, which is a combination of "Dudly Do Right" and "The Fat Albert" theme. Past that, the yelled vocals give this a really Hardcore feel. For a live recording, this sounds pretty good, but the vocals are way too loud, or maybe everything else is too quiet. Well, either way, the songs are pretty cool, which is the important thing. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC8**

NO WARNING - The Not Even One? 7" · I M
Very fast Thrashcore, except for the song "Jimi," which is slower and more "groovy." Actually, this 7" is not too bad, it contains three songs in attention to the aforementioned ode to the Dead One, and the production is good. Punk is an obvious influence here, especially in the vocals. This is enjoyable to listen to and if you like Thrash/ Punk, then you should check this out. Favorite song: "Use Your Mind." - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC6**

NO WARNING - Ill Blood · Bridge Nine
NO WARNING play your basic Old School Hardcore. Minimalistic, fast, angry, brimming with youthful energy and an anthemic vitality. Unfortunately there just isn't enough punch to push them over the hump. As simple as the music is, it really ought to be more memorable, and they occasionally fall prey to lyrical blunders. It's really not terrible, but it just feels like they're going through the motions. In fairness to the band, I've been spinning the new TERROR a lot, as well as LOVE IS RED's album, so my Old School bar is currently raised a little higher than usual. I bet these guys are much more intense in the live setting, but this particular recording just comes up a little short. Keep practicing, fellas. You're not that far away. - 6.75 - <Jack>

NOCTERNITY - Carpe Noctem · DEMO
Of course the excellent production helps, but even with terrible sound this would be some seriously kick ass Black Metal. NOCTERNITY are smart enough to not play ultra-fast all the time, and allow things to slow down so that the ominous keyboards, diabolic riffs, tortured wails, and female vocals can do their job and give this the atmosphere of pure evil. Miss it not. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

NOCTIS INVOCAT - Depressiva Vox Clamantis · Southern Hellish
Yet another Black Metal horde from South America, this time from Guatemala. I know you’re probably thinking, "Guatemala?" and my answer is, "Yup. There really are Black Metal bands down there." Compared to many of the other South American bands, this is more symphonic. There is extensive use of keyboards, acoustic guitar, spoken word passages and female vocals, making it sound more like Wolfheart-era MOONSPELL or maybe CRADLE OF FILTH than your average Under the Sign of the Black Mark-era BATHORY influenced band. Of course, there are parts that sound more BATHORY than the others, but there are a lot of the other influences present here to offset these sections. The production on this is surprisingly good, with a cleaner sound and enough space given to each instrument to allow them to be heard. It’s rare, though getting more common, to actually hear the bass guitar on a Black Metal album, but it’s audible on this one. If you like atmospheric Black Metal, NOCTIS INVOCAT will more than satisfy your needs. Central and South America are starting to have larger and larger numbers of superior Black Metal hordes arising from their jungles and if they keep on improving, they could supplant Scandinavia as the hotbed of dark music. - 9.5 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

NOCTUARY - For Salvation · Lost Disciple
When I saw NOCTUARY live at the MORTIIS show here in San Francisco, I wasn’t exactly blown away by them. As a Black Metal band, they lacked that "evil" feeling. They looked like they were a typical generic American Death Metal band - blue jeans, basketball shoes and the singer was wearing a Red Wings hockey jersey (not your standard Black Metal attire, but I’m not a sticker for fashion). The reason I wasn’t too impressed with them visually was the fact that they lacked that Satanic imagery and feeling that is an integral part of Black Metal. Black Metal is Metal music in the name of Satan, and if you leave out Satan, it isn’t Black Metal anymore. Fortunately for NOCTUARY, this release is much more interesting than their first impression. Their music is the fairly chaotic brand of Black Metal made famous by bands like MARDUK or DARK FUNERAL. While they are good at what they’re doing, it isn’t anything that hasn’t been done before. Lack of originality aside, this is some pretty ripping stuff. They manage to keep things tight even in the fastest parts, which is always a task, and they also have things worked out so that no one instrument is overpowering the others. The last track is probably the most interesting as it is the most different from the rest. It’s an acoustic piece, played almost as fast as the rest of the tracks on the album, but with a whispered vocal over the top. If NOCTUARY could add some more of those elements in with their all out speed assault, they could be contenders for the throne. - 8 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

NOCTUARY - When Fires Breed Blood · Lost Disciple
This band's debut, For Salvation, had its speedy, melodic moments, but this sophomore effort falls flat. Uninspired speed, just going through all the tired Black Metal motions. The tools are there, perhaps they still need yet more time. - 6 - <Jack>

NOCTURNAL BREED - Triumph... EP · Hammerheart
Very kick-ass combo of Black Metal & German-style Thrash. - 9.5 - <Ray> **MC11** - "Last Second Additions"

NOCTURNAL BREED - Aggressor · Pavement
Cheers to Pavement for releasing this domestically! N.B.’s brand of Black Thrash is intense and raw, as it should be. While admittedly not really living up to the hype in the presskit ("One of the best Metal releases in the past five years"), this is still a really kick ass debut. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NOCTURNAL BREED - No Retreat... · Hammerheart
Like their previous releases, this has a heavy Thrash influence with the standard Black Metal vocals. Lyrically, these guys are really into blowing shit up and solving the population problem through the suitable application of nuclear weapons. That and some songs about Satan and other evil shit in that vein. The band also cover "Under The Blade" by TWISTED fuckin’ SISTER (and command you to play it loud!). Just like the title suggests, they never retreat and don’t surrender one inch on this album and blast away like there was no tomorrow. The production is thick and heavy but one of the problems that NOCTURNAL BREED suffer from is the fact that many of their songs sound the same after a while and it’s hard to tell where one song ends and the next one begins sometimes. Every now and then, they do break things up with a really awesome song, but most of the time, they stick to a fairly consistent formula. Not godly, but still a good album. - 8.5 - <Ychoril> **MC12**

NOCTURNAL MORTUM - Goat Horns · The End
It’s truly evil to have 2 keyboardists. That’s what NOCTURNAL MORTUM told me. I don’t think I believe them, though, ‘cause they have two, and for the whole first track that’s all they use. It’s like a movie soundtrack. Fortunately that ends, & the "real" music starts - sorta fast, sorta furious Black Metal, complete with sorta tortured vox. It’s not terrible, but the keyboards generally only distract from the guitars, rather than compliment them. Some work still needs to be done. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC11**

NOCTURNAL RITES - Tales of Mystery and Imagination · Century Media
What if you took early HELLOWEEN and made them Vikings like MANOWAR? Yeah, you’d have NOCTURNAL RITES. This ass-kicking Metal / Thrash (actually, more properly called "Power Metal," but that name has been debased in the last few years by tough-guy wannabe jerkoffs) is not only extremely catchy, but also very technical. Especially the guitar solos, and I’m not easily impressed by those. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

NOCTURNAL RITES - The Sacred Talisman · Century Media
Thrashy Traditional Metal (the real definition of "Power Metal," by the way), that like on their last album, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, sounds something like the bastard child of MANOWAR and HELLOWEEN. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC12**

NOCTURNAL RITES - Afterlife · Century Media
Of all of the New Wave of True Power Metal bands, NOCTURNAL RITES has got to be close to the top of the colossal heap. This new album is no exception, delivering the bads quite easily. - 8.25 - <Ray>

NOCTURNAL WINDS - Everlasting Fall · Aftermath
Very well done melodic Black Metal with some Death tendencies. They have crafted a fine release with Everlasting Fall. 'Nuff said. - 8.75 - <Ray>

NOCTURNE - Guide to Extinction · Triple X
When did BANANARAMA start playing Industrial Metal? - 1 - <Jack>

NOCTURNUS - The Key · Combat/ Earache
Science Fiction, Space Traveling, Time Warp, Satanic, Death/ Thrash Metal. What the hell is that, you ask? Why, it can only be NOCTURNUS, the only Death Metal band to incorporate a keyboard into their sound (and not sound like BON JOVI). With Mike Browning on drums and vocals, Mike Davis and Sean McNenney on guitars, Jeff Estes playing bass, and Louis Panzer whacking the keyboard, these boys are definitely one of a kind. With songs like "Visions From Beyond the Grave," "Droid Sector" and Destroying the Manger," they are definitely on the forefront of future Thrash (or future Death, whatever you want to call it). This album contains odd keyboard intros on almost every song, which brings the album down, but along with the keyboards are fast, speedy, and technical guitars that make NOCTURNUS a band of the future. - 8 - <John T>
{One of the first reviews by the then singer of the legendary SNAP JUDGMENT, John Tekiela. Anyway, about NOCTURNUS: This album was in many ways foreshadowing the widespread use of keyboards in the New Wave of Black Metal that was just around the corner at the time of this release. That’s right, before The Key came out, it was virtually unheard of for a real Metal band to make any use of keyboards. We have NOCTURNUS to thank (or blame, as the case may be) for the acceptance of keyboards in Extreme Metal. After this album, the band went on to record one more LP, Thresholds, in 1992, with their new singer, and then what has stood as one of the greatest 7" EPs of all time, simply titled Nocturnus, which was Moribund Records’ second release, back in 1993.} **MC4**

NOCTURNUS - Thresholds · Relativity/ Earache
The keyboards are way more integrated this time around, and the mega technical guitar has been augmented by bass of the same caliber. Since Mike Browning no longer sings, he can concentrate on the drums and has noticeably improved since The Key. The new singer sounds much like Mike, but a little heavier. This is a solid second effort, and should appeal to most Death Metal fans. However the songs are not as memorable as such classics as "BC/AD" or the awesome "Lake of Fire." Favorite song: "Grid Zone." - 8 - <Ray> **MC7**

NOCTURNUS - 7" · Moribund
Wow. This is supposedly the last recording of NOCTURNUS. I really hope that's not true. I was worried about the departure of Mike Browning (to join ACHERON), but I shouldn't have been. This is the best looking and sounding 7" that exists, to my knowledge. Full color cover, and undoubtedly the best sound on any 7" - ever. The two songs are both excellent: As good as "Lake of Fire," or "BC/AD," if not better. And it's on fucking green vinyl, too! I hope they change their minds and make another album. Get this! - 10 - <Ray> **MC8**

NOCTURNUS - Ethereal Tomb · Season of Mist
The return! I never thought I'd see the day that a new NOCTURNUS album would be released, but here it is. And what is maybe ever more unexpected is that the press release is accurate. It states that NOCTURNUS is responsible for bringing keyboards into Extreme Metal, and that is 100% absolutely true. Before their first album, The Key, was released, it was completely unheard-of for any "real" Metal band, other than maybe KING DIAMOND, to employ the use of keyboards. And that's also the weird thing about this album: Where are the keyboards? Sure, there's some science fiction stuff going on in the lyrics, but Louis' keyboards are at best buried in the mix. I'm not exactly complaining, though. This album is a kick-ass riff factory, and Emo is one of the best Death Metal vocalists ever, if you ask me. A slightly altered mix might have pushed this into the realms of perfection, and it's pretty close as is. An excellent return from this legendary band. - 9.5 - <Ray>

NOISECORE FREAK - Corner Itch Theory · Deadsix
"...experimental grindcore industrial noise." That's right from the press release, and that's also being very nice to this disc. Imagine (or better yet, don't) completely random noises of all possible kinds all being played one after another, often with several overlapping at any given time. Perhaps that sounds interesting to you, but it was torture to my ears. That said, this CD might be good to send to someone you really hate. Speaking of "hate," I hate to even give this a rating. - 1 - <Ray>

NOISECORE FREAK - Experiments from the Rust Factory · Deadsix
This shit sucks... - 1 - <Jack>

NOISECORE FREAK - My Mother the Antichrist · Deadsix
...really fucking bad. - 1 - <Jack>

NOKTURNEL - Welcome to New Jersy · DEMO
Fast, memorable songs, coupled with an amazing amount of energy and darkly screamed vocals. Very interesting, and somewhat unique, sound. I like it. Check this out. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC8**

NOKTURNAL - Anti Grunge 7" · Rage
Speedy, memorable Death is what this band is about. These may be their most intense songs to date. This is one of the best sounding 7"s I've ever heard, but that is only natural for a Rage release. An all around winner, and as an added bonus, it's on red vinyl. I hope that NOKTURNAL get anohter full length release out soon! - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NOKTURNAL MORTUM - To the Gates of Blasphemous Fire · The End
Epic, symphonic, Black War Metal. This CD even begins and ends with the sounds of battle. And in between, there is constant intensity and fury, but nothing really out of the ordinary. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

NOMAD - The Tail of Substance · DEMO
This is a 10 song, 45 minute masterpiece of Death Metal. Extreme intensity and horrific vocals are only the beginning. The fast, brutal songs are somehow also sorta catchy, and the production is clear, yet raw enough to give the guitars a jagged, flesh tearing, edge. And it’s all wrapped inside a very professional, huge full color J-card. I can’t imagine that NOMAD will remain unsigned for very long, so get this while you still can. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

NOMAD - The Devilish Whirl · Nox Mortis
Combining Death and Black Metal with Thrash isn't exactly a new idea, but NOMAD generally does it very well. There are moments where the multiple vocal styles are at odds with one another, or are simply terrible, such as towards the end of "A Constructive Image." But for the most part, this is an impressive release, made more so by the places where the band seamlessly integrates very mellow passages into their otherwise aggressive sound. The Devilish Whirl isn't without it's flaws, but there are by far less of them than there are flashes of brilliance. - 8.75 - <Ray>

NOMICON - Yellow · Shiver
Interesting & experimental Death Metal, that’s no less heavy for all the unusual stuff going on. As you might expect, sometimes the experimentations work and sometimes they don’t. More often they do, and since they always keep things brutal, I’m tolerant of them trying out a few strange ideas. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC11**

NON-FICTION - Non-Fiction · DEMO
This is a very interesting demo. Musically, they are somewhat like BLACK SABBATH. Metal in the older style. There is a lot of cool stuff going on here and I am especially impressed by the bassist, Kevin. Occasionally he does some really bad-ass stuff. This demo has nine songs and excellent recording and production. The vocals are sung in a melodic way, but it sounds good and fits with the music. NON-FICTION is an intriguing, compelling and complex band. And musically, they seem to be breaking new ground. They are now signed to Grand Slam and their album is already out (it will be reviewed next time), so you had better haul balls if you want a copy of this, and I think you should. - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC6**

NON-FICTION - Preface · Grand Slamm
After last issue came out, I discovered that the NF demo I reviewed is exactly the same as this album, except Preface has one additional track, "Aged." Anyway, this album reminds me a bit of BLACK SABBATH and now that I've heard SOUNDGARDEN's Badmotorfinger, I'm reminded of that somewhat as well. Except I'm not sure that NF is as Alternative as SOUNDGARDEN. The music is complex and heavy and memorable. The vox are somewhat melodic, but it fits with the music. A lot is going on and it takes a few listens before you notice the subtleties, such as the complex bass lines. Self described as Doom Metal - Great, now there are two kinds of Doom as well (this kind and the MY DYING BRIDE kind). - 8.75 - <Ray> **MC7**

NON-FICTION - 1994 Demo · DEMO
This is more like an album than a demo, at least in length - eight songs of energetic Metal. These guys are sort of in a class by themselves, so suffice to say that the vocals are sung with much feeling and intensity, and that the music is memorable in spite of its complexity. A unique sound and a unique band. - 8.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NONOYESNO - Deepshit, Arkansas · Relapse / Nuclear Blast
Weird + heavy = cool. "Hidden" spoken word extra track is freaky, and so fits in perfectly. Interesting and original. 'Nuff said. - 9 - <Ray> **MC8**

NONPOINT FACTOR - Depression '94 EP · A.R.T.
The alternating between somewhat heavy vocals, and total wimpout style bugs me. And the music is a little too stop / start for my tastes, but so is a lot of shit these days. - 4.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NORDIC DEATH - Can’t Stop the Cock · demo
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! "Can’t Stop the Cock!" Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! That’s so fucking funny! ‘70s Rock about barnyard animals! Wow, that’s so god damn amusing! Ha ha ha ha! The first song is about a chicken, the second song’s about a cow! Ha ha ha ha ha! Stop it, guys, come on CUT-IT-OUT!! It’s just too motherfucking hilarious! Ha ha fucking ha. - 1 - <Jack>
www.nordicdeath.com

NORTHER - Mirror of Madness · Century Media
Looking at the band's name, logo, cover art, and the atrociously stupid title of this album, I was ready to throw away another lame Ass Metal band's expired cheese. However, I was pleased to discover that marketing is the only department in which this young Finnish band is lacking. This is actually very tight and melodic Death/Thrash refreshingly accented by keyboards and piano. If the vocal style were chicken, it would be extra crispy, and a look through the lyrics would suggest Finland is not a very cheerful place to live. While this band may owe a small debt musically to old IN FLAMES, SENTENCED, TIAMAT, DISSECTION, and maybe even a little CRADLE OF FILTH ("Betrayed"), they have actually done very well to establish a style all their own. I should really stop judging books by their covers. - 9.25 - <Jack>

NORTHWINDS / BLOODY MESS AND THE SKABS - Sleep With Evil / 6th Grade Field Trip split CD · Black & Blue
NORTHWINDS is a good Thrash outfit with somewhat melodic vocals. Musically a bit similar to MERCIFUL FATE. However, they apparently consider themselves to be a lot heavier than they really are. Anymore, when I want to hear someone to tell a "poser boy" to die, I don't want him to screech it like a woman, I want to hear NAPALM Barney wipe it the fuck out. - 7.75 -
OK, on to BLOODY MESS. Strange to see these two bands together, but what do I know? Anyway, this part of the disc is all Punk. But not as underground sounding as their 7". No one song is as great as "Cigarette on the Clit." However, of the 15 here, several are close: "Think of Punk Rock When You Shit," "Don't Worship Me," and "6th Grade Field Trip." The others, while still cool, are not as raw as I expected. BM&TS proves, once again, that Punk ain't dead. - 8.5 -
- 8.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

NOSTRADAMUS - ApotheKary · Pre-Emptive Strike
Here's NOSTRADAMUS' second release on P.E.S. Records. Unfortunately I have not heard the first one, so I cannot compare the two. I would however, venture a guess and say this one is worse. I can't possibly see how this waste of plastic could be any better. This is shit. I wipe my ass with this. First of all, they must have been given about a dollar to come up with a cover. The artist must have been my blind, arthritic grandmother using a kindergarten crayon. The print on the tape itself wiped off the first time I picked it up. As for the actual music, the singer tries to sing and can't. Imagine Alfalfa, from The Little Rascals, singing Thrash. I can understand the lyrics, they suck. They're all about someone's ex-girlfriend, Kary. They are neither overtly sexual nor violent. Get over the bitch already you tampon. There's a drum solo almost as bad as the one on FREHLEY'S COMET Live + 1. The bass is mixed so low I can barely hear the damn thing. The worst part of this album has to be the guitars. I swear the same arthritic grandmother that did the cover played the guitars. I don't blame these guys for not putting their names on the cassette jacket. I won't give them a 1 (lowest rating) simply to leave room for them to grow on future works. - 2 - <Lar> **MC5**

NOTHINGFACE - Everyday Atrocity · Mayhem
Nice production. The bass and drums make it tolerable but the guitar sound is a little weak by comparison, but not too much. The vocals are harsh, you know the kind, and sort of Hardcore-ish, but sung equally as well. The sung parts remind me of BAD RELIGION at times. Wait a minute... what’s this, some sort of ballad? Well the bio cites them as the band to watch in the "new Aggro Rock" genre and goes on to list other bands they’ve toured with, some good, most suck, and how they have the same manager as ANTHRAX and PANTERA. Who cares? The more this album goes on, the more derivative it sounds, relying on Hardcore "grooves" to base entire songs on. What does this do to an already incestuous music movement besides prolong it? Nothing. I can’t discount that people like all this stuff but you can’t make me understand why. - 6.75 - <Bob> **MC12**

NOTRE DAME - Coming Soon... EP · HNF / Voices of Wonder
After their track on Listenable Records’ MERCYFUL FATE tribute, I was really looking forward to hearing this, and I’m glad that it lives up to my expectations. It’s a little difficult to describe this Horror Metal accurately, as they employ a wide array of styles, but I suppose they are based in new wave Black Metal’s speed and darkness, as well as use of keyboards and female vocals, and occasionally adopt the traditional B.M. screechy vocal delivery. - 9 - <Ray> **MC12**

NOVEMBER 17 - Trust No One · Slipdisc
Even a sample from The River’s Edge can’t save this band from being just another FEAR FACTORY clone. They are somewhat better at the Industrialized Metal stuff than FF are now, but I can’t bring myself to care all that much about this sort of "New Thrash." - 7.25 - <Ray> **MC11**

NOVEMBERS DOOM - For Every Leaf that Falls · DEMO (CD)
This three song "mini CD" is very good. NOVEMBERS DOOM play lamenting Doom Metal (occasionally I am reminded of the strong vocals of the Doom masters MDB) with well written songs and excellent production. They shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a label to sign them. But then in a perfect world, all genuine cool bands who deserve a record deal would get one. Oh, and this ain’t a perfect world. - 9 - <Bob> **MC12**

NOVEMBERS DOOM - The Knowing · Dark Symphonies
NOVEMBERS DOOM combines the styles of Doom and Death Metal to create a sound that is reminiscent of the early works of bands such as MY DYING BRIDE and ANATHEMA. At long last, the U.S. has produced a band that rivals the aforementioned U.K. gods in terms of strength, emotion, atmosphere, and intensity. The Knowing starts off with a mostly instrumental track called "Awaken" which leads the listener into a world of darkened beauty with its gentle, melodic pace. From there, "Harmony Divine" wastes no time in showcasing the awesome power of this brilliant band. The Knowing manages to combine heavy, depressive atmospheres with light or even inspirational melodies which will captivate the listener within their intricacies. "In Faith" is, for me, the highlight of this ingenious recording because it displays the true scope of complexity this band is capable of creating. Godly! NOVEMBERS DOOM use various vocal styles including clean male and female vocals combined with deathly growls, each of which is used effectively to convey the emotion within each song. The tone, or atmosphere, of each track is indeed determined by, in my opinion, the style of vocal used. These guys don't need to rely on a bombardment of multi-layered keyboards to create the darkness within the songs. This is yet another element which makes The Knowing such a unique piece of artistic creation. Something else that adds to the uniqueness is the production of this recording, which is excellent. It effectively provides the listener with the defining aspects of the music, thus preventing any element of NOVEMBERS DOOM's sound from being drowned or obscured. The Knowing is a true master-work of Doom / Death Metal, and you would be foolish to pass up this gem! - 9 - <Painkiller>

NOVEMBRE - Wish I Could Dream It Again · Ployphemus
This is a band who can be very melodic one second, and Grind your face off the next, and who somehow make that transition sound perfectly natural. This is due largely to the fact that they are excellent musicians (especially their drummer, Giuseppe!), and utterly amazing songwriters. This album was recorded at the one studio capable of doing justice to their material, and ability: Unisound. To record an album as diverse and original as this took a bit of nerve, and for that I must truly respect, and admire them. To combine that with such a great degree of heaviness, and varying tempos and vocal styles, has earned them my undying gratitude as well. - 9.75 - <Ray> **MC9**

NUCLEAR ASSAULT - Out of Order · I.R.S./ Combat
Everyone in this band, except Anthony, has had a side project out since the last NUCLEAR ASSAULT album (in Dan's case, his other band, BRUTAL TRUTH, is about to release its debut on Earache). So I wasn't too sure that they were really still together. But they are and here's the interesting thing: everyone plays a bunch of stuff other than his "chosen" instrument. Dan plays 2 guitar leads, and sings lead on the song "Hypocrisy." Anthony sings on another track, but the rest of the vox are handled by John, except when they all team up on their weak cover of SWEET's "Ballroom Blitz," which sounds a lot like the KROKUS version- useless. All in all this LP is what you would expect from this band. However, I have discovered that Dan has a really cool voice. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

NUCTEMERON - A Time the World Forgot · Wild Rags
This is slow to mid-paced Death, perhaps something along the lines of ASPHYX's The Rack, although not quite that accomplished. They do a pretty good job, but still have some rough spots to iron out. - 8 - <Ray> **MC10**

NUDESWIRL - Nudeswirl · Megaforce
I think that one of these songs is the one that Beavis mistakes for GUN'S N ROSES' "Paradise City." Is that all you care to read? This is not all that bad, but could the mainstream Metal guys attempt something a little different? Ahh, I suppose not. - 7 - <Ray> **MC8**

NUM SKULL - 1990 Promo Tape · DEMO
NUM SKULL is a fast, brutal Death/ Speed band. The music is usually very fast and crunchy. While the vocals are screamed in a Death-like manner. It’s a raw, evil, Death growl. The guitars are brutal enough to be able to kill a normal person at just under a mile. The drums and bass are, unfortunately, somewhat buried in the mix. They could have been a little louder. This four song tape is remarkable and with such titles as: "Future: Our Terror?," "Cheap Little Rosary," "Pray For Agony" and my favorite "Brutal Fucking Death," you know that this is a band to look out for. They also have a lot of cool stickers. Buy or be dismembered! - 8.75 - <Ray>
{And after some more demos, a split 7" with SEA OF TRANQUILLITY, and some line-up changes, NUM SKULL finally released their second album, When Suffering Comes, almost a decade after their debut LP, the classic Ritually Abused. I’m happy to report that they are working on new material, and don’t plan on waiting another ten years before releasing it.} **MC4**

NUM SKULL - Promo '91 · DEMO
These guys get a big, full sound for only three members. Their bassist, Ron, also sings and he has a pretty brutal voice. Musically, they lean more towards really heavy Thrash. This nine-song promo has excellent recording and the packaging is very professional. The songs are all heavy and these guys don't mess around with freaky intros, outros, or acoustic stuff. They go for the throat, rip it out and you die. But understand, this means that you don't get a big variety of music here, it's all somewhat similar. To some of you that will be great news, but to others it will be bad. I guess it depends on what you like. If you're looking for a powerful Deathrash band with heavy, yet understandable vocals, that doesn't experiment too much (read: doesn't fix what's not broken), then NUM SKULL is it. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC6**

NUM SKULL - 3 Song Demo · DEMO
Well the vocals are heavier and so is the music. But it's also more memorable. When I reviewed their '91 Promo tape, I said not to fix what's not broken, but they have considerably improved and I stand corrected. There was nothing wrong with this band before, but now they have ascended to an unstoppable Deathrash juggernaut. They even recorded an awe inspiring cover of "Electric Funeral." This tape should get them signed - again! - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC7**

NUM SKULL - 1995 Demo #1 · DEMO
This demo features four new songs, plus the band's tracks from both the split 7" with SEA OF TRANQUILLITY and the History of Things to Come compilation CD, so it's quite a collection. For those of you who have been living in a hole for the last decade, NUM SKULL are one of the original Death bands from the Chicago area, and continue to get more and more intense as time goes on. This is their heaviest material I've heard, but as always, Tom and company know how to make really brutally crushing riffs memorable, and then they put some faster parts in to insure that your face gets ripped completely off. This should get them signed again. - 9.25 - <Ray> **MC9**

NUM SKULL - When Suffering Comes · Defiled
I've been waiting nearly a decade for the follow-up to their inspirational Ritually Abused LP, and it has finally arrived. Let me assure you that it was worth every agonizing second of the wait. When Suffering Comes is Death Metal in a class by itself. Of course, I have made sure to get all of this band's demos since the aforementioned debut LP, so having heard virtually all of their recorded material, I can honestly say that this CD is their heaviest, most memorable and in short best stuff ever - that's saying a lot. And as if their originals were not deadly enough, the disc-ender is a monstrous cover of VENOM's "Buried Alive." There is absolutely no excuse for not owning this. Now if someone would re-release their debut on CD, I could die happy. - 10 - <Ray> **MC10**

NUMEN - Basoaren Semeak · Goi Music
Very convincing Black Metal from Spain. Imagine a mix of EMPEROR and ANCIENT. Great production, outstanding drumming, and although it tends to be a little predictable at times, everything here is still up to par with the big boys. - 8.25 - <Jack>

NUMBER ONE SON - Lessons · Torment
Super soft commercial Rock begging for a slot next to CHEVELLE or TAPROOT on whatever worthless, podunk, so-called "Hard" radio station you get in your area. They have a decent singer (try to imagine a conformist Mike Patton) and intelligent lyrics (wait until they see how the mainstream receives those, ‘mainstream’ being an antonym for ‘intelligent’), but I just don’t hear any heart or emotion. Or at least not enough. They could dumb it down and really take off, or they could throw their affectations to the wind and come through with something really heartfelt and filthy, meanwhile, Lessons hangs tediously in the middle. - 7.5 - <Jack>

NUN SLAUGHTER - The Guts of Christ · DEMO
Simple riffs, bad sound, corpse paint. Goat worship from Pennsylvania. Okay, some of these riffs are pretty heavy, but I think that the band has done itself a great disservice with the lack of production. Perhaps it was they best they could do under the circumstances - I understand that recording is not free. The vocals and music remind me of Scream Bloody Gore era DEATH, which is cool. I'd be anxious to hear what NUN SLAUGHTER could do in a real studio, that is assuming that they want a good sound, which many Black Metal bands unfortunately do not. For now, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. - 8.5 - <Ray> **MC9**

NUNSLAUGHTER / CRUCIFER - Split 7" · Self Released
NUNSLAUGHTER deliver three tracks of Thrashy, raw Black Metal, and CRUCIFER supply one additional Black Metal ass kicker. Since I got an "advance" tape of this release, and not the actual 7", I don’t know what kind of packaging you get, but I do know it costs four bucks and is limited to 666 hand numbered copies. - 7.75 - <Ray> **MC12**

NUN SLAUGHTER - Hell's Unholy Fire · Repulse
Say what you will of me, I am not going to force myself to like a band because they're old. Yes, 14-year Death Metal veterans NUN SLAUGHTER do not impress me in any way. The music is passable, very Thrashy as would be expected, but it's the talking-really-evil-a-la-Killjoy vocals that command me to hit the stop button. - 6.75 - <Jack>

NUNSLAUGHTER - Devil Metal · Hell Attacks
NUNSLAUGHTER is one of the few epitomes of the word "cult" when it comes to Black or Death Metal. They've been around forever, releasing demo after demo, 7" after 7" and it took them a decade to get signed for a full-length album. This CD is not a new recording but a compilation of two live shows (March 20, 2000 and March 24, 2001) onto one CD. I'm guessing that this isn't a bootleg simply because the band has a "thank you" list. The sound quality is pretty rough but at the same time, it is above average as far as bootleg recordings go. I can definitely tell that this was recorded onto an analog source because it is very bass-heavy. Digital equipment gets more of the highs (treble) but analog tapes get more of the lower end (bass). The guitar comes out pretty clear and the drumming isn't overpowering (though the snare tone on both shows is kind of annoying). The vocals are noticeably higher on the second show and the sound quality is different. One of the things that always struck me about NUNSLAUGHTER was the fact that all of their songs were very short. Not Grindcore short, mind you, but usually around 2 ½ minutes long. This allows the band to perform roughly a dozen songs per set in 30 minutes a set. If you're a fan of NUNSLAUGHTER, this is a must. There is a huge cross-section of their material and both sets are completely different (meaning: no songs are duplicated - at all!). - 8.25 - <Ychoril>

NYARLATHOTEP - The Obscures Into Despair · DEMO
This is one band that is absolutely not afraid to experiment. Their sound is rooted in Death Metal, with growled vocals, and usually fast drums and distorted guitars, but they might blast their way right into an acoustic passage, or some insane noise, or screams, or some calming synths. I appreciate that they want to break away from the traditions and limitations of Death Metal, and not adhere to any boundaries of any kind, and I think it’s important that some bands do exactly that, but no matter how much I respect NYAR’s efforts, they can still be difficult to listen to. - 8 - <Ray> **MC12**

NYARLATHOTEP / GNOME - Split · Weird Truth
After hearing NYAR's last demo, I knew to expect this Japanese Metal team-up to be somewhat strange, and NYAR's Death-rooted experimentation did not disappoint. GNOME was more of an unknown quantity for me, but they also proved to be open to musical experimentation, often using acoustic guitars and more Rock based song structures with their tormented screams. This split tape is an engaging listen and well worth checking out for fans of the unusual. - 8.75 - <Ray>

NYCTOPHOBIC - Inscets · Morbid
Very well done Death / Crust. Until we get to the weird, Industrial remix of one of the songs, and the "hidden" BLACK SABBATH cover. - 8 - <Ray>

NYIA - Head Held High · Candlelight
My god, this vocalist sucks! He sounds like a pissed off construction worker trying to scream over loud machinery. Speaking of annoying vociferousness, if you're into fast, spastic noise like BOTCH or DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, here's some more easily ignorable background hubbub for your insignificant life. This is tougher for me to sit through than UPN programming, and the interjections of clean "singing" are a cruel, confusing joke. This is just plain execrable. - 1 - <Jack>