Morgenroede - Nemesis (Single)
Independent
Symphonic Black Metal
1 songs (6:35)
Release year: 2009
Reviewed by Thomas
Surprise of the month

Morgenroede are a bunch of young talented musicians from the flat country-side of the eastern part of forest- and mountain-covered country that is Norway. There is a new tidal wave of young musicians aspiring from every corner of the land, and the activity is probably more frequent in the east. With Illusion as a leading new and young progressive metal band over there, Morgenroede are set to follow in the giant footsteps of the symphonic black metal mutants such as both Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, and even the recently much-praised Keep of Kalessin. The main base of musicians here hasn’t even reached their twenties, and this has been a project going over the past couple of years. They’ve been meaning to release their EP for several months now, but when their hard drive crashed, they only succeeded in recovering one song, Nemesis, which they now have released as a single limited to 150 copies to give the listeners, and the already eagerly anticipating fans a taste of what the EP will sound like.

Morgenroede play a mix of modern and symphonic black metal with nods to the mentioned Dimmu Borgir and Keep of Kalessin. Huge and epic sounding orchestras introduce the song before the furious riffing of young Mr. Løtvedt and Robin Ognedal of the promising, hopeful proggers Illusion rips its way through your flesh and bone. Their sound is clear, polished and well-produced, yet still aggressive as a demonic beast waiting to tear you apart limb from limb. What’s good about these guys is that they actually know how to expand their playing beyond the realms of the power-chords which is great and adds an appreciated touch of excitement along with the highly deliberate melodies. The two guitarists drive this forward, and the progressive stylings that I know are injected in their blood are fairly audible if you listen closely. However, if you consider getting a hold of their upcoming EP due later this year there will be clearer signs than here.

This is, obviously, not all about the guitars. Jo Henning’s drums forge a backbone as thick as an oak and as solid as a rock. He’s not all about blasting as he backs up the slower lead parts too as well as some great changes of pace. To accompany all this, Didrik’s soulful symphonic sounds are carefully chosen and never exaggerated to the extent of frustration. They’re layered above it all and as well as playing a big role in the overall musical picture, they’re creating the unmistakable beautifully morbid atmosphere that never seizes to please the ear when done right.

Sitting well above it all however, vocalist Ronny Hansen of Antestor dwells on his raven-black throne. His schizophrenic croaks are thunderous, piercing my tympanums, placing the chokehold and not even thinking of releasing. He varies between the lighter grinding screams, deeper growls, and less harsh shouts. He can be best compared with Thebon of Keep of Kalessin only slightly better and not as forced. His experience does definitely come in handy as he, along with the guitars, are the highpoint of this minor release. If you’re a fan of modern/symphonic black metal done the right way, you should definitely check Morgenroede out. They’re young and got their careers ahead of them which are, as of now, shining bright. An incredible teaser on what we can expect from the upcoming EP. Check their MySpace for more information on how to get a hold of this single.

MySpace
Killing Songs :
Nemesis
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