Although a few months have passed since the release of the self-titled (and latest) album by the Basque band Numen, I think it's worth discussing on Metalcry for two reasons: it's an outstanding album from a band unjustly unknown here in Spain, and one of the country's largest record store chains is offering it at a very good price shortly after its release. It's not only a good album but also a complete surprise, at least for me, as I hadn't heard anything from Numen since their exquisite Galdutak Itxaropenaren Eresia, an explosion of sound blending Black and Folk Metal that relied on instruments typical of their region. And this clearly perceptible change in image, with a new logo and cover art clearly reminiscent of Black Metal classics like Burzum, has also translated into a clear change in the band's sound.
After a first listen, the evolution will be very clear. Instrumentally, the sound shifts to a rawer, purer, and more primal Black Metal, with sharp, heavily distorted guitars and an intensive use of blast beats reminiscent of the classic Norwegian scene. Of course, as is typical of the style, we encounter repetitive riffs, which would become tiresome if the songs (all over five minutes long) were the same throughout. And this is where we find a strength of this album: the songs evolve, with very natural transitions from a two-minute repetitive section to a completely different, also repetitive, one. A classic feel, but without being boring. Another major difference from some current Black Metal bands trying to recapture the genre's roots is the production. For Numen, raw Black Metal doesn't clash with crystal-clear production, where every instrument is perfectly audible, even the bass. As for the vocals, there's plenty of variety. The predominant vocals are suffocating and desperate, reminiscent of some Suicidal Black Metal bands, such as Shining. Occasionally, a second voice enters, much deeper and similar to those heard on other albums by the band.
Does all of this mean that Numen has ceased to be a Folk Metal band? The answer is no, although this facet of the group is explored in a much more subtle way. We will find medieval and folk rhythms, but only in small portions of the different songs, and performed almost exclusively by the usual instruments: guitar, bass, and drums. In a way, this recalls Satyricon's Dark Medieval Times and lends a rather pleasant ambient feel to the whole. We will also find more exotic instruments, such as flutes, an accordion, and even the albeka, a traditional Basque wind instrument. But unlike the aforementioned Galdutak Itxaropenaren Eresia, the contribution of these instruments to the sound of this album is marginal, used very briefly and always at the end of the songs.
In short, we have the chance to get the latest album from this great band for a very low price. It's a good opportunity to discover another of the great talents of extreme metal in our country. We'll find a return to the more traditional sounds within Black Metal, but without forgetting their folk influences, and as always, with lyrics in Basque. If I had to point out any flaw, it wouldn't be musical; rather, it would be in the presentation: a digipak with a very poor booklet that adds very little value to those who aren't serious collectors of original releases.
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=wJ-auidRS74&list=RDwJ-auidRS74&start_radio=1&t=149s
