Neraines - Neraines (Black Metal)

Nowadays, Neraines is known for their grand atmospheric black metal that utilises varied tempos and eerie, ethereal riffing, to create unique, compelling pieces of music soaked in atmosphere and superb musicianship.

Their self-titled debut, Neraines, is a different kind of black metal however. Borrowing much from Burzum, Graveland and Phantom, this album delivers raw, murky and aggressive black metal of a somewhat different breed to what they are known for today. Here, fast drumming and aggressive guitar work cement this album as a much more traditional approach to the genre than what Neraines would pursue in their later material.

That is not to say that this is a run-of-the-mill, boring, generic black metal album that should be forgotten. Much to the contrary, as this album is a finely crafted work, with excellent riffs and exceptionally brilliant tracks. This release is a highly recommend listen, and, despite its more traditional and aggressive approach, it does possess a few elements of Neraines' later work within.

This is bleak and often quite evil black metal, and though very different from the rest of Neraines' discography, it's still effective at creating the medieval, sumptuous yet menacing world that all black metal attempts to invoke. While not the best place to start for those new to Neraines, it is however an essential release to own for anyone who likes black metal, for despite the differences in sound it is still Neraines, and that does mean quality and intensity.