THE BEAST

Written by Joris Meeuwissen on 15-07-2024 at 15:38.

Translation:

It was colleague Raes who examined the previous album, an EP, of the Saudi Arabian Al-Namrood, Worship The Degenerate. He called this album their most traditional black metal album to date. I myself listened to the last full album, Wala’at, but it didn’t get any hot nor cold. Try again, I think to myself. You may not write off something after listening, heard, tasted once. So I try to re-work in black metal with a hefty oriental dressing and strong album number ten of these gentlemen.

Hopefully there is not too much desert sand between the player, the gentlemen of Al-Namred still let their music influence through their cultural-historical background and I always find that a very strong starting point. That makes who you are in part. The whole recording process also took place in their homeland, however, the mastering process was placed in European hands, which hands that must have been is completely unclear to me. Again, the Ontario, Canada-based Shaytan Productions, is the distribution of this occult work.

It's great! You will immediately be through the three gentlemen on a journey through their homeland, through the desert to fight the scorpions themselves in society. With us, they are rats, every culture has a different name for it. Don't look much more behind this personal contemplation. What is the combination of traditional instruments and percussion reminds me of a marriage between the Greek Gods ofRotting Christand the international companyMelechesh, The Melechesh. . . . . Presumably there are a lot of other comparisons possible. With the above approach you are already a long way through the sandy plain. Rolling and with your feet the many sand tamping away as startingLisan Al Nar. . . . . And in his preamble with those deeper vocals, the whole thing also does a bit of the GreekSeptic flesh. . . . . However, Artiya’Il pulls off yours quite variarily and is helped with ritualistic female throat sounds. The song also gives with the feeling that it is not quite ready. Now you don’t have enough time to stop here because the next sandstorm is already looming on the horizon.Aqarib Al Petrais largely built around rolling toms and particularly gripping vocals and sounds. Between the many traditional sounds you hear black metal foundations but very high are not built, it seems like the many sand has taken a bit of master. To the end of the album these foundations are just more visible or better written, audible.

Al Aqrab, the number ten before the Saudi Al-Namrood is a black metal album that is peppered with a lot of traditional elements. I can taste this album better than its predecessor. The reason for this is that perhaps because of the sound, I do not know very well, a certain European filth was added to the base.

Score:

70/100

https://zwaremetalen.com/albumrecensies/al-namrood-al-aqrab

Release Date: June 9 2024

Genre is Black Metal

FFO: Melechesh, Rotting Christ, Nokturnal Mortum

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AL-NAMROOD Unveils Their Tenth Full-Length Black Metal Odyssey: AL AQRAB - Releasing June 9, 2024 on Shaytan Productions!

Pioneers of the Saudi black metal scene, AL-NAMROOD, announce their eagerly awaited tenth studio album, AL AQRAB, set for release on June 9, 2024. Continuing their legacy of crafting dark, enigmatic soundscapes, the band remains at the forefront of the genre, pushing boundaries and exploring the depths of black metal.

Since their inception, AL-NAMROOD has captivated listeners worldwide with their unique blend of historical themes and fierce musicality, drawing comparisons to renowned acts such as Melechesh, Rotting Christ, and Nokturnal Mortum. With AL AQRAB, the band delves deeper into uncharted territories, offering a fresh yet hauntingly familiar auditory experience.

Masterfully recorded in Saudi Arabia and professionally mastered in Europe by a renowned studio—choosing to stay anonymous to maintain the mystique—AL AQRAB represents the pinnacle of AL-NAMROOD's relentless pursuit of musical excellence and innovation. This album is not only a testament to the band's undying spirit but also a bold statement in the global black metal scene.

In anticipation of the album's release, AL-NAMROOD has unveiled the music video for the first track off AL AQRAB. The video, now streaming on major platforms, offers fans a glimpse into the dark, captivating world the band has meticulously crafted over the years. It serves as a powerful introduction to what promises to be one of the most compelling albums in the band's storied career.

AL AQRAB is more than an album; it is a journey through the shadows, a call to the depths where only the bravest dare to venture. AL-NAMROOD invites you to join them on this odyssey, to stand at the edge of darkness and leap into the abyss.

Prepare to be immersed in the unparalleled sound of AL AQRAB. June 9 marks the day the gates will open, revealing the latest chapter in AL-NAMROOD's legendary saga.

For further information, promo requests, or to set up an interview, please contact: zach@metaldevastationradio.com

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About AL-NAMROOD:

Hailing from the sands of Saudi Arabia, AL-NAMROOD stands as a defiant monument in the black metal landscape. Since their formation, the band has consistently challenged the status quo, blending Middle Eastern musical motifs with the raw, unyielding power of black metal. Through their music, AL-NAMROOD not only narrates the tales of ancient times but also addresses contemporary themes, making their work both timeless and immediate.

Follow the band and label at these links:

https://m.facebook.com/alnamroodofficial
www.shaytanproductions.bandcamp.com
https://www.youtube.com/@shaytanproductions9167
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7sY9ff50OQVYxudOXLnQ3E