Album Review: Naisian – Metal (Sludgelord Records)

Naisian are a progressive sludge trio based in Sheffield, UK, implementing a wide variety of influences ranging from sludge and industrial, to noise and experimental rock, all in a cohesive and vibrant fashion. Coming nine years after their debut album Mammalian and two years on from the Rejoinder EP, naisian’s sophomore full-length ‘Metal’ sees them covering new ground compositionally and instrumentally, being entirely self-recorded. The album will be released through Sludgelord Records on September 18th 2020.

A wild array of things to show off, Naisian perplex from the start with Taft Point. The initial flurry of thick sludgy heaviness giving way to soft post-melody and eerie effects before ramping back up with force.

The layered imagination this band holds is on full show as Liquid Attraction challenges with its progressive guitars and throaty roars. Is It Though? is near 3-minutes of odd and uncomfortable effects before Naisian explode with all the destructive intensity of the track’s title, Asteroid.

What comes next? Even more weird effects with FILA. A short track that has a ton of atmosphere and a strong undercurrent of darkness. Followed by Brain Throne and the chunkiest of riffs, Small Talk which is another quirky, short effort and Praying for Elliot, a track that starts off subtly before growing in strength to the point of madness.

It’s so strange, if not a bit fascinating. You certainly never know what’s coming next and it’s no surprise that it ends just as it began… strangely. Vanilla’s guitar feedback turning into a spacey synth soundscape that has finale written all over it.

Naisian – Metal Full Track Listing:

1. Taft point
2. Liquid Attraction
3. Is It Though?
4. Asteroid
5. FILA
6. Brain Throne
7. Small Talk
8. Praying for Elliot
9. Vanilla

Links

Facebook | Instagram | Sludgelord Records