NERO DI MARTE

Immoto SEASON OF MIST

Eclectic Italians take their progressive leanings to the extreme

Bologna, Italy-based outfit Nero Di Marte’s songs are complex and unpredictable constructions that traverse a wide variety of tempos and levels of intensity.

It’s a challenge to neatly categorise what they do, but listeners may detect aspects of doom, black metal and Isis-style post-metal alongside a progressive approach to structure and vocal stylings that border – generally effectively – on the operatic. Vocalist/ guitarist Sean Worrell, guitarist Francesco D’adamo, bassist Andrea Burgio and drummer Giulio Galati (replacing Marco Bolognini who left in late 2016) took five years to complete the follow-up to their 2014 second album,

Derivae, and the time was evidently well-spent. Everything is immaculately placed and poised without a second wasted, signalling a focused effort that highlights the benefits of taking your time. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Ephel Duath, Sumac, Triptykon

JOSEPH STANNARD apart in a crowded technical metalcore scene. Since then, legal issues have forced the Parisians to add the FR to their moniker but more importantly, they’ve started developing their more interesting ideas.

The crystalline, While She Sleeps-like solos on Deep Blue and Human Condition

and throbbing grooves of Modern Slave and Kings Of Ignorance and are a step up from anything else they’ve done so far. Most noticeable, though, are the melodic vocal lines from frontman Matteo Gelsomino, which have been given space to breathe and lift Head

Rush onto another level altogether. Their name change has been subtle, but this record suggests Novelists FR are taking a much bigger step forward. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Oceans

Ate Alaska, Erra, Invent, Animate

DANNII LEIVERS sections and the stretches of almost ambient melodicism. Henriques and Soares maintain a convincing atmosphere of tragedy and abandonment throughout. On 19-minute standout Mirror, they even seem to gesture beyond metal towards the US slowcore of Red House Painters and Low, which is typical of their considered approach. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Corrupted, Inter Arma, Esoteric JOSEPH STANNARD