NEVERDIE
- The Source of Black Water
Darknagar Records
Released in 2011, "The Source of Black Water"
is the sophomore album from the Russian quintet NEVERDIE, following their debut
"Forgotten World." The band's sound on this release is rooted in a
gothic doom/death metal framework, drawing from various influences.
The album aims to integrate both melodic and
aggressive elements. The melodic aspect is largely conveyed through gothic
musical themes, the inclusion of acoustic guitar sections, solos, and the use
of ethereal female clean vocals. This is balanced by a more aggressive
doom/death metal approach, characterized by heavy riffs, dynamic rhythms that
vary in pace, and death metal growls, which are also performed by the band's
frontwoman. Additionally, the incorporation of progressive rhythms, changes,
and tunes contributes to the overall sonic palette.
"The Source of Black Water" features heavy
guitar riffs, atmospheric keyboards, and a female vocalist who performs both
operatic cleans and death growls. While the album delivers on these promised
elements, some observations suggest that the individual components, though
present, do not always seamlessly coalesce into a fully unified whole.
Specifically, the vocal performance showcases a wide
range, from operatic cleans to death growls. The growls are noted for their
power, while the clean vocals, despite their impressive range, may not
consistently evoke a strong emotional connection for all listeners. The guitar
work predominantly features heavy riffs, though some quieter sections are
highlighted for their effectiveness. While generally competent, some heavier
parts are described as lacking a distinct, memorable quality. Keyboards
contribute to the album's atmosphere, yet they are sometimes reported as being
somewhat subdued in the mix, potentially making them less prominent than other
instruments and occasionally feeling somewhat detached from the overall
instrumental landscape. The drumming, though not always at the forefront of the
promotional description, is noted for its competent and potentially standout
performance within the album's structure.
Ultimately, "The Source of Black Water"
presents a blend of gothic, doom, and death metal elements. While it fulfills
the expectation of delivering these diverse components, the degree to which
they integrate into a cohesive and consistently engaging musical experience is
a point of varied reception.
Christine Parastatidou
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