Album Review: Netherhall – Process (Self Released)

Midlands-based progressive rockers Netherhall are to release their long-awaited debut album, ‘Process’ on the 16th of June 2023. Process’ fundamental theme is simply Life/Death and the ups and downs in-between.

Has the wait been worth it? It certainly feels like it when the haunting ambience and clever flow into heavier material of Generate Pt.1 introduces this album. It is just the amuse-bouche though and it’s the following Ruminate that really sees the band flexing their progressive muscles. Drifting through lighter rock soundscapes, delivering infectious vocal highs, and punching hard with some groove when need be. It’s erratic, but in a clever way.

Currents has a moodier start that slowly, but strongly, transitions into something quite grand sounding. The guitar combination is particularly robust here, from wandering melody to thumping bass hooks and thrusting riffs. Whereas The Needle is a more eager example of Netherhall’s abundant rock ups and downs. A track that methodically breaks down the senses through enigmatic elements, but also gets quite heavy here and there. It’s one of more detailed and fascinating tracks on the album.

The ominous Infernal, an intermission of sorts, serves as a mental ‘reset’ for Netherhall to turn into a feral beast with Musavada. The opening to this track is downright chaotic, yet it settles so well into a dramatic lull, before unleashing carnage again. Back and forth, it is one of the album’s most challenging tracks, but lovable for that exact reason.

It would be nice to say that things get simpler with the title track but that’s not quite the case. The cinematic ambience at the start leading to mellow guitar melody and heartfelt vocals, before the bass and drums pick up the beat. The passion on display is gripping, and then it starts to get more intense and much more progressive sounding. The journey is startling, but impressively addictive.

An addiction that is hard to break when a track like Equilibrium has such heartfelt melody and a moment of power that makes you feel tall. Or when a track like Disintegrate showcases some of that delightful Netherhall groove, while being as feverishly unusual as everything that came before it.

Ever expansive, ever eclectic, and ever a source of allure, you can’t help but feel a bit smarter listening to this band.

Netherhall – Process Track Listing:

1. Generate Pt.1
2. Ruminate
3. Currents
4. The Needle
5. Infernal
6. Musavada
7. Process
8. Equilibrium
9. Disintegrate

Links

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