### Nothnegal: Decadence

#### 17/04/13 || Ironpants

Maldivian half progressive/melodic death metal, is that a fine combination or what? Hanging out at the beach pouring umbrella drinks down the hatch all day, entering rehearsal in the evenings and composing death metal. No, now I’m a prejudiced fucko again, well that’s who I am. Of course life isn’t that easy, but I am always jealous of dudes living on a paradise island, with perfect weather. But I guess I don’t have to live with the threat of rising water-levels and tropical storms in my everyday life, and maybe it’s here Nothnegal gets their death metal energy? When two original members got the fuck out they had to call in some mainlanders, Kevin Talley (drums) and Marco Sneck (Keyboards) to help them out, and I guess they are the real winners here? Going out to the islands visiting band members when the weather is all nice, and stay at home when it sucks?

Regarding the music: They have the main ingredients to the perfect drink here. A different singer with a little odd, raspy voice, in my opinion they should loose the clean singer, but that’s me, excellent drumming in Kevin Talley (although a little pale and held back on this one), and some nice tunes. The problem is that it never really push all the way, instead of a tsunami forcing it’s way through all opposition you get some 40 minutes of medium breeze with some ripples in the water. The main force that stands out on this one is actually Marco Sneck’s keyboards (I thought I would never say such a thing), he produces some excellent work on this one, and he is the main reason that it is allowed to pass. Nothing special really, but he uses the correct sounds and help build up a sci-fi feel to the melodies. Strong examples of this is “Janus” and “Claymore”, it never gets over the top commercial keyboards and stays under control. All in all, they are heading in the right direction, but they aren’t there yet. Keep an eye on these guys though if you’re into this style of semi-proggy melodic death.

5,5/10 You guys should work up the storm to at least hurricane strength instead of a sea breeze.