Buioingola are an atmospheric doom band from Italy and this is their second album.

Il Nuovo Mare is the follow up to the band’s 2013 debut Dopo l’Apnea. This was a release that established Buioingola as a band that were travelling their own way, and a release that firmly stuck in my mind as one of the more memorable ones of that year.

The music on Il Nuovo Mare is once again similarly individual and breathes its own personality and dark life over the listener as soon as they press play. The band’s brand of atmospheric doom skilfully weaves post-metal, darkwave, industrial and blackened influences into its rich tapestry, resulting in songs that are obscure, esoteric and quite unlike a lot of music that’s out there. This last thing alone should encourage you to check them out, even if nothing else does.

The band’s blackened doom is like an unusual cross between Altar of Plagues, Deinonychus, Godflesh and Neurosis. Only more than this too, as that doesn’t really cover half of it, I suppose. Buioingola are one of those rare bands that don’t really sound like anyone other than themselves.

The music is harsh, yet atmospheric; cold, yet highly textured. Each track takes a piece of a nightmare that you wish you could fully forget and forges it anew into a monstrously dark and succulent soundscape that looks so inviting, even though you know it will probably do you harm to indulge.

The return of Buioingola should be much applauded, and Il Nuovo Mare is just as effective, enjoyable and engaging as their debut was. Possibly even more so, although only time will tell.

Highly recommended.