ALBUM REVIEW: Necronautical – Apotheosis

English Symphonic Black Metallers NECRONAUTICAL are back with a new full length album, out now via Candlelight Records.

Opening with ambient discordance before a barrage of blastbeats and traditional Black Metal riffs cascade forth alongside warm bass lines and subtle synths, the album starts with utter strength. Immediately I am noticing a huge step up in production since their last record, offering an impenetrably thick wall of noisy assaults driven by melody but not lacking groove or punch. Naut’s vocals deliver a spiteful and aggressive touch to the music, delving into hellishly dark territories. The thing about Symphonic Black Metal that can ruin it for me is the flowery and often weak sound of bands whom rely solely on indulgent keyboards, Necronautical however use them in a nuanced fashion to complement a decimating array of killer musicianship that demands respect even while remaining pretty true to formula and with little experimentation, this is a strong and destructive release that is far superior to many in its genre. The melodies in the guitars are stunning, the drum battery is unrelenting and the vocals are suitably barbaric with a masterful sense of atmospheric songwriting and plentiful Carpathian Forest style “Black ‘n’ Roll” riffing to keep you headbanging along, this is by far the best material from the band to date. The tonality is impeccable and the structural growth throughout is flawlessly brilliant with many marvellous ideas working in a much more coherent fashion than ever before. “Apotheosis” is certainly a magnum opus for these talented Brits who definitely deserve their place as one of the countries most respected acts. While it may not be as innovative as Abduction or scathingly harsh as Thy Dying Light, Necronautical have found there niche and do an excellent job of surpassing expectations and offering a magnificent conjuration of pure atmospheric prowess. Definitely a record fans of the more precise and technically able fans of Black Metal will appreciate, as will the old school traditionalists who enjoy the 90s purity while introducing some more modern touches especially in production value. The album ends with “The Endless Spiral” which features glistening acoustic guitar work but also some of the best riffs with a more dissonant touch akin to Mgla or Svartidaudi topped by some ferocious drum fills, this being my favourite track by far for its musical diversity, captivating songwriting and hideously intense musicianship, truly epic. A marvellous record overall, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for these guys! -7.5/10