Album Review: Sylvaine – Nova (Season of Mist)

Sylvaine, the one-woman multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and composer will release her latest post/atmospheric black metal album, Nova on March 4th, 2022 via Season of Mist.

The feeling of exposure that comes from the innocent sound of the opening title track is hugely prevalent. A track that is best described as haunting, a track that features naked vocals and a choir arrangement, a track that sees Sylvaine bear her soul in an enchantingly folk way.

Such a powerful opening needs a powerful continuation and that is what we get with Mono No Aware. A track that explodes with a virulency that only post and atmospheric black metal can create. The frenzy of instruments met by vocals that quite simply howl. At nearly 10-minutes long, this is a track filled with peaks and valleys. Both as important as the other.

Sylvaine makes the journey that is Nova so much more palatable by taking a hand and leading us through peaceful and serene moments amongst the blistering chaos of the blackened side of the band. That serenity makes up the shorter and haunting Now, Still Somewhere. Although there is a harsher edge to the melodies, it’s part of the depth that makes this another wonderful listen.

The longest track on the album comes next. Called Fortapt, it is just shy of 12-minutes and sees Sylvaine building up emotional atmosphere to a crescendo of noise. Where the vocals have an innocence that shakes the soul but also reach hellish howls that are inhuman to the ears. A track that will leave you mouth agape as Sylvaine twist post-melodies to a level not often heard from this style of music.

A more mellow and rock-orientated effort than comes along with I Close my Eyes So I Can See. Before the album ends in similar fashion to as it began. Melodramatic melodies, heartfelt vocals and a ton of atmosphere that oozes from every inch of the song. A beautiful closer.

However, it’s not quite done as there is a bonus track for purveyors of physical media. Called Dissolution, it’s one more post heavyweight that fits perfectly on this album. Complimenting the power exuded and poise that Sylvaine has had throughout.

Sylvaine – Nova Full Track Listing:

1. Nova
2. Mono No Aware
3. Nowhere, Still Somewhere
4. Fortapt
5. I Close My Eyes So I Can See
6. Everything Must Come To An End
7. Dissolution (Bonus Track)

Links

Bandcamp | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Season of Mist