Review Summary: An excellent debut from doom newcomers The Nihilist, Metamorphis is an involving and memorable release, successfully blending a myriad of feels and moods.
Every band has a beginning and for The Nihilist, this is it. But not all bands are created equal. Some fight there way through countless trials and tribulations, constantly searching for the answer, their sound. The Nihilist, is not one of these bands. Their debut release, Metamorphosis displays a maturity that is not usually seen on a band so young. Having quietly come into existence in early 2010, the band has discovered an atmosphere of despair and melancholy, shaped by an extensive use of dynamics, clean guitar parts and brilliantly layered melodies that is then flawless crafted together with a powerful wall of distortion. The standout feature of Metamorphosis is the seamless fusion of guitar and keyboards. As the two instruments dance and weave through a vast collection of melodic climbs, the rest of the band introduce a more desolate and bleak mood, with a slight hint of death metal influence apparent.
The vocals also come into their own. Strong, monstrous growls from bassist Chris Cox, of Phalanx fame, are accompanied by backing vocals contributed by guitarists Tim Edwards and Nathan Riedel. Drummer Jay Coulter also performs some haunting and subtle clean vocals, that add another dimension to the quieter sections of songs. This four pronged vocal attack is a welcome change from the digitally layered examples of other, lesser bands, with keboardist Daniel Tannett being the only member with a vocal role.
The production of the EP also plays a significant part in creating the at times eerie atmosphere that the band has achieved. Drums and guitars all sound incredibly natural and whilst the overall production is particularly clean, at no point does it sound overproduced. The way the keyboards and clean guitars are able to take charge is a trait that allows The Nihilist to shine, however during heavy parts, the bass guitar steps forward, revealing an audacious tone that would normally be reserved for denser, more extreme projects.
Overall, Metamorphosis is an outstanding debut release and without a single weak track on the EP, this band will no doubt be one to watch in the coming years.
