I admit that I was first drawn to this album simply down to the name; Nettlecarrier is a strange choice and, complete with the reputation of its members (we’re talking Dirge Rep, Mannevond and T. Ciekals) the hint was of something potentially exciting.

First track up is ‘The Boiling Blood’. It’s a full bodied, cold riff of a song with Mannevond’s vocals  frosting the top. Harsh, heads down and direct it is a good first blow. The sound is very orthodox; a riff that rises and falls like a tempest and hard, deep drums keeping the imperial balance quite nicely. Nothing off the beaten path, mind, but a quality start. Second song ‘Paa Vaare Paaler Deres Hoder’ initially sticks with this route but a well judged tempo change drops it into a darker drum based rhythm. All very Norwegian and as tight as you would hope. Vocals range from a dark, hollow snarl to a rising cry and at seven minutes it isn’t too long either.

I think for me the problems, such that they are begin with ‘Helvete Kristus Soak Forgaa’. It is still nicely vicious in its attack and there is a fine bottom end to it as there is on the whole of the album but that is it. It is good but orthodox Norwegian to the point of generic I’m afraid. Mid to fast paced, treble frosted black metal. Really, this continues for the rest of the album. There is a slower song in ‘Naar Han Vaakner’ and they do try to mix it up a bit but I just can’t get excited about it. I appreciate it, yes, as the playing a cut above a lot of the other bands plowing this field, but that is as far as it goes.

Part of me is beginning to question who albums like this are aimed at. I am sure that those involved would rightly assert that this is an artistic vision born from the desire of fine musicians to play music together. This is a natural urge, and totally understandable. But as someone on the outside of that, considering that this reached the attention of a record company, I genuinely have to ask myself why would I listen to this as opposed to any other album of black metal. I am not taking away from the fact that this is a classy recording by a group of musicians who have a history in some excellent bands but because of the nature of the songs I am afraid that I can’t get too excited about NettleCarrier. Good, Orthodox, Norwegian style black metal. If your collection has a gap then this will fill it nicely. For me though, I’ll wait to see if they crank up the songwriting and there excitement the next time.

(6/10 Gizmo)

www.facebook.com/Nettlecarrier.satan