Greek atmospheric black metal project Nexus Imperium has been around for sixteen years before finally releasing this dark, dissonant and strangely hypnotic little EP this summer. There's some Darkspace influence, but the resulting sound has a stately majesty all of its own overlaying the space-themed chaos raging through most of the tracks.

Singularity is atmosphere only: A cosmic hum right before the Big Bang starts on Cosmic Disturbance, which even as it fades in gives a hint of the fury to come through most of the album. A ringing lead plays short melodies, as intriguing as they are disquieting. Meanwhile, the voice of Giorgos Kondilis slowly groans out the blurry lyrics in his clean vocals, switching now and then to a deeper growl as the full range of guitars kick back in.

On Seeds, the album reaches its proper crescendo. The leads are more ominous than ever before, the riffing builds upon itself in an intricate maze, and then the dark vision fades away at last. For all its shortness, the self-titled EP delivers a great atmosphere and has the feel of a galaxy-sized album.

Bandcamp: https://nexusimperium.bandcamp.com/releases.