I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened this Netherbird press release this morning. As you can see above the guys look like they could be playing in a Sisters of Mercy cover band but the press release says they play Blackened Death.. well yeah yeah I know “you can’t judge a book by a cover” but we all do anyways – how many of you have bought albums in the past just based on the cover? I know I have done that MANY a time…so let’s be fair and give the guys a chance to impress us…
I clicked on the youtube link and what do ya know? Its good! Super clean production (sorry all you trve kvlt raw BM fans) and a great energy – there are times at least in this song where I hear influences by the late and great Chuck Schuldiner and Death, which isn’t a bad thing – check the track here:
Here’s a bit of back ground info on the band for ya :
Netherbird are by no means strangers to the Swedish extreme metal scene, having already released five acclaimed albums, the last of which being 2019’s stunning Into the Vast Uncharted, also released by Eisenwald, as well as a slew of EPs and singles since their inception in 2004. Ever since then, the band has managed to blur the lines between black and death metal, managing to develop a distinct sound that culminates in their newest full-length, Arete. Throughout their career, Netherbird has featured members from several renowned extreme metal projects such as Amon Amarth, Dark Funeral, and At The Gates. On Arete, the music on display serves as evidence that the band has assembled its strongest lineup to date.
What sets Netherbird and particularly the album Arete apart from their peers is their uncanny ability to fuse moments of sonic serenity and beauty with outbursts of pure fury, managing to flow seamlessly from ethereal acoustic guitar passages into melodic tremolo riffs accompanied by flawlessly executed blastbeats, courtesy of the brilliant Fredrik Andersson, known for his prior work in Amon Amarth. These bold musical arrangements are presented in a warm, clear production, allowing all sections to breathe and engulf the listener in the sounds of Arete. The dynamic range on display here is truly impressive; with vocals and drums having been recorded at Wing Studios and guitar and bass tracks having been captured at Scarecrow Studios, the album has undergone a masterful production job at the hands of Sverker Widgren at the aforementioned Wing Studios, where artists such as Sweven, Diabolical, October Tide, Wormwood, Centinex, and Mörk Gryning have recorded as well. On Arete, Sverker Widgren’s production showcases flawless instrumentation and a diverse vocal performance in their full glory. And as always with Netherbird, the lyrics offer deep and meaningful reflections upon the highs and lows of the human condition. Every track offers different observations of the pursuit of the highest ideals and the terrible cost that comes with that quest.
Cover art was done by French Legend Nihil His past collaborations include work with The Royal Shakespeare Company, Amenra, Hocico, Raison d’Être and In Slaughter Natives
Check the art here:
Tracklisting for Netherbird’s Arete
1. Âme Damnée
2. Towers Of The Night
3. Void Dancer
4. Infernal Vistas
5. Carnal Pentiment
6. Mystes
7. The Silence Of Provenance
8. Atrium Of The Storm
NETHERBIRD lineup
Johan “Nephente” Fridell – vocals
Pontus “Bizmark” Andersson – lead guitars
Tobias “Tinitus” Jakobsson – guitars, backing vocals
Micke “M.A.” André – bass
Fredrik Andersson – drums
MORE INFO:
www.netherbird.com
www.netherbird.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/netherbird
www.eisenton.de
www.facebook.com/eisenwaldofficial
www.youtube.com/eisenwaldofficial
www.twitter.com/EisenwaldHammer
www.instagram.com/eisenwald.official