Κυριακή 29 Ιουνίου 2025

REVIEW: NEVERDIE - The Source of Black Water

 


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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