I’ve been listening to a lot of one of Netherbird’s previous albums, “The Grand Voyage”, of late. That itself was one of a trilogy of releases that now end’s with this year’s “Arete”. Netherbird have always been one of the more interesting of the Scandinavian bands, flirting as they do with the black and death genres, as well as having plenty of light and shade in their compositions. With “Arete”, they see themselves back with all-star drummer Fredrik Andersson, he of ex-Amon Amarth fame.
“Arete” is actually a bit of a departure for a band who have previously been firmly rooted in the 90’s. “The Grand Voyage” for instance was a release that could have been spawned in the mid 90’s, but wasn’t. For sure there are still plenty of the melancholic melodies that the band have become known for, and yes – here and there you will still find hints of classic acts such as Dissection and Katatonia in terms of the shades of atmosphere and guitar styles. With songs like the pummelling “Towers of the Night”, or the muscular mid-tempo stomp of “Void Dancer” though, you get the impression that this is now a band which is content to move somewhat with the times. Not only is the production really powerful and punchy, but the song-writing leans a little more into classic metal territory. There are some really strong hints of classic Mercyful Fate atmosphere’s as with the rambling yet tremendous guitar soloing on “Mystes”.
The blasting drums of Andersson though really elevate the album, or at least the capacity of each song to be able to get from interesting acoustic passages to writhing, snarling beasts within a milli-second. The military intro to “The Silence of Provenance” channels death metal directly into the ears, while the permafrost-inducing riffage coats everything with an icy chill. Sonically, it’s the equivalent of hitting black ice in your car; you’re sent into a spin and there’s nothing you can do to control it. Some of the axe work, courtesy of …erm…”Bizmark” and “Tinitus” is nothing short of impressive. Album stand-out, “The Silence of Provenance” has enough quality riffs within it to be an album of its own, yet still manages to sound cohesive. Micke Andre’s bass is pushed way higher in the mix before, which again adds that satisfying modern punch, while Nephenthe’s vocals are really at a career high, the clear, high rasp being perfect for the extremity elsewhere.
“Arete” is a career highlight for the band, and one which, hopefully, will see them get more attention. It’s certainly one of the more interesting and direct takes on classic extreme metal that I’ve heard in a long while. Top job, lads.
(9/10 Chris Davison)
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