This album, the third by Poland’s Naumachia, was recorded three years ago in the famous Hertz studio but didn’t receive much publicity so it’s having a second round. The band’s line-up is interesting. On drums is Icanraz who as a member of Devilish Impressions, Christ Agony, Abused Majesty and Hermh, seems to be on a mission to be part of every Polish blackened death group. More intriguing is the keyboard and synthesiser player VX Mind Ripper of the legendary Atrophia Red Sun.
It is that spooky and off-the-wall synth sound which provides uniqueness on “Black Sun Rising”. The blackened death is as solid and rich as you would expect of Polish bands playing this genre, but the fluttering synth rings chillingly through the background, bringing colour and intrigue to the harsh canvas.
“Inward Spiral” opens up the work and immediately we’re introduced to the steady and dark progression, aided by impressive triggering from the drum department, the harsh vocals and those floaty keys. The pace steps up for “Egomaniac Frenzy”, a more technical track. This time the synth work is more heavy and industrial. Excitement and terror reign. The sound is wide-reaching and captivating. The themes are of domination, fear and anger. “Mortification Study” is severely disturbed and sinister. It features distorted vocals on a sombre background, accompanied by those mechanical whirrings and a moody drum line. A kind offer is made to conclude this atmospheric piece: “I’m willing to inflict the pain on you all over again”. Traditional bludgeoning then returns with “Voreristic Life Abuser” and “Fornicatrix”. Driving and harsh as they are and recalling the finer traditions of Polish death metal, there’s still plenty of colour and turmoil in the instrumental work, which revolve more this time around raging guitars than the subtleties of the synthesiser.
The synths come back to the fore on “Sedated Daimona”, providing a sinister and edgy touch to match the punishing and controlled death metal. Horror is present. The track fades out atmospherically to a synthesised tune which briefly leads into “Abreaction”. Very quickly the synth-laced thunder returns while the growler and instrumentalists set about their grisly task. The fusion of sounds suggests both chaos and intrigue and heading into majestic territory. Desperation is in the vocals. The synth flutters once more. The control here is superb. “Abreaction” is filled with power and majesty. The intensity heightens still further and the pace picks up. “Act of Renunciation” is an all-out brutal metal electro assault, heavy and hard enough to strip paper off walls. But for all its ferocity, it’s engaging intriguing and enjoyable right to its abrupt end.
I understand that the members of Naumachia have moved toNorway, the band has a new drummer and they are preparing a new album. I can’t wait. “Black Sun Rising” is a work of great imagination, combining traditional death metal with innovative sounds to create an unusual and exciting album.
(8 / 10 Andrew Doherty)
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