Review Summary: After 11 long years, Australian black metal group have finally delievered their second full length album, Iconoclast, which was originally announced in 1998."
2 of 3 thought this review was well written
Parental Advisory- Album Contains Explicit Keyboards
Evidently 2009 is the year for comebacks. Since January, many bands that were thought to have died out many years ago have miraculously reformed and somehow managed to scrape together a host of impressive new material. Unanimated and Alice in Chains were inactive for 14 years, Absu for a less impressive 8, and let's not forget Cynic of yesteryear who lay sleeping for a colossal 15 years. Apparently there has never been a better time to come roaring back to life. Nazxul is yet another band to add its name to the recently revived after 13 years of truancy in the studio. Their long awaited effort, Iconoclast, does not disappoint.
Since their last (and only) full length release, 1995’s Totem, Nazxul’s sound has changed dramatically, most likely due to their radically different lineup which contains only two of the original members. The band has shifted away from their grittier blackened death metal sound and opted for a more traditional symphonic style in the vein of Dimmu Borgir and their ilk, albeit without the horrific production. In fact, the shift in sound is rather shocking if you are familiar with Nazxul’s previous works.
The guitar is crisp and clear, and no longer hidden behind a wall of fuzz and distortion. Due to a change in vocalists, the vocals are no longer a motley arrangement of grunts and growls but a sophisticated rasp that is much more common for black metal. In addition, the keyboards are no longer relegated to obsolete background noise; instead they are just as audible as the guitar; highlighting the riffs and reinforcing the symphonic nature of the songs.
Unfortunately, Iconoclast is not without its downfalls. Capping off at 56 minutes, the album is a bit long and needless to say it drags quite a bit. Granted, there are 5 instrumental tracks that are no longer than 2 minutes; however the album grows tiresome about half way through. Additionally, the album suffers from a grating lack of variation. The songs sound generally the same with the exception of Oath (fides of Resurrection) which is eerily upbeat for black metal.
Nazxul’s Iconoclast is an overall strong album and will probably be enjoyed by those of you that listen to classic symphonic black metal bands such as Emperor or Dimmu Borgir. However, be warned, there are keyboards. Hopefully we won't have to wait another 13 years for a follow up.
The artwork has to be 200x200 to work. Also, the release date is July 28, 2009.
Parental Advisory- Album Contains Explicit Keyboards
Very nice intro, there.
Unanimated and Alice in Chains were inactive for 14 years, Absu for a less impressive 8, and let's not forget Cynic of yesteryear who lay sleeping for a colossal 15 years.
The picture you have posted in the first comment is 400x400. Anyway, yeah, three examples are plenty but I had to throw those out there anyway. This sounds like it could be good. I'll add it to my list.
Grr I could have used Immortal as an example too The picture you have posted in the first comment is 400x400.
Yeah but the one I have saved is 146 by 146
Immortal, yep. I'm not saying you had to include more. I'm saying that I used your examples as a good excuse to name drop some other bands tha people should know.
I'm not sure what the minimum dimensions are anymore, but maybe that one is too small?
Edit: Nevermind. It looks like the album art uploading thing is broken again.
@ Magnus
Pfft that's what you always say which is your way of saying: "I'll never listen to this but I'll tell you I will so you'll leave me alone."
lies, all lies, I didn't say I will get the whole album, i said I will check out a few songs and then decide and when i say I will check out the songs I will. Don't be too suprised if I won't get this album though, you now black is not my thing
![http://www.eisenton.com/shop/cover/2732nazxuliconoclastltd.cdpreorder220090721.jpg[/img]](http://www.eisenton.com/shop/cover/2732nazxuliconoclastltd.cdpreorder220090721.jpg[/img]){kind=link}