This is the latest EP from Swiss progressive/post-metal band Nevborn.
A progressive post-metal EP that is just a single 19 minute song? Count me in! What’s that? It also features the supreme vocal talents of the singer of The Ocean? Stop, stop, you’re just overselling it now…
Ahem.
This is my first exposure to Nevborn, and I can safely say that I’m impressed. The music is bright and resplendent, but not without a darker side alongside it. This is very definitely for fans of bands such as Cult of Luna, The Ocean, Deftones, Isis, Devil Sold His Soul, and the like; purveyors of modern, involved, emotive music.
The music is heavily atmospheric and emotive, relying mainly on the singer’s voice and effervescent guitars to provide the emotional context for the journey that the track takes the listener on. The rest of the music works in a support capacity, providing a comprehensive framework for everything to work in.
The song unfolds well, flowing from one part to the next without any jarring transitions or loss of focus. Different sections highlight different aspects of the band’s delivery, but always work together to make a real impact on the listener.
The soundscape that Nevborn create is layered and rich with shading and texture, all displayed openly in a modern progressive/post-metal format. Moments of satisfying complexity sit next to elements of luscious simplicity, both having their place and their roles to play in building up an engaging and compelling piece of music.
The vocals are mostly clean, but do turn to screams every now and again for emphasis. The singer’s impressive voice carries emotional weight with ease, and works alongside the equally impressive music well, seeming to sail in and out of the song’s intricate tides.
Daidalos is a finely realised and well-honed creation from a clearly talented bunch of people. It’s definitely something that you should listen to, and I heartily recommend that you do.