Meslamtaea: Unorthodox black metal

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Meslamtaea is exploring the paths of unorthodox black metal since the nineties. After the debut New Era was released on Eisenwald Records in 2005, the follow-up album Niets En Niemendal continues in the same tradition. The record is out February 4^th. Niets En Niemndal is dutch and translated to English it`s Nothing And Nothing and Afgrond is the first video from the record.

Though the tracks are a lot more consistent, it is still very hard to put a label on Meslamtaea’s music. Elements from all kind of (sub) genres are blended into a genuinely atmospheric and melancholic style with a post-apocalyptic lyrical concept. Music wise, think of a mixture of old Ulver with Alcest and Mournful Congregation. A highly impressive piece with a unique way of songwriting, especially if you keep in mind all music was written, recorded and mixed by just one individual.

With Niets En Niemendal, a very personal, non-orthodox and introspective album is performed with full dedication. Meslamtaea is among the top of Dutch avantgarde-ish metal among Murw, Phlebotomized and Krocht. The album comes in jewel case with 8 page booklet plus mini-poster with the fantastic original conceptual cover drawing my Maya Kurkhuli (Blackdeath, Cultus).

The music is heavy and dark, and the album starts off with spoken words that fits near perfectly to the music. The spoken words can be heard throughout the album, and there are some blast beats in the faster section of the album. The sound is powerful but melodic and often very atmospheric. The variations of and mixture of fast, slow and mid paced parts adds dynamic and make the music even more interesting. Some crazy black metal sections are intriguing and the avant garde parts are often very fascinating.

A pair of the tracks are epic, and some progressive injection refreshes.  Some of the tracks are using acoustic guitars and synths give an atmospheric sound, and fast tremolo picking gives a raw feeling. The lyric have a post-apocalyptic themes. Meslamtaea is a very original black metal band, and if you looking for something special in tmetal the dutch band is probably something for you?