In a landscape where black metal often treads the well-worn path of tradition, Groza emerges once again with an album that promises to both honor the genre’s roots and push its boundaries. After a three-year wait since their critically acclaimed release “The Redemptive End”, the Bavarian black metal collective returns with their third full-length album, “Nadir”. This album marks another leap forward for Groza, showcasing their evolution in both musicality and emotional depth.
Opening with the hauntingly atmospheric “Soul : Inert”, the album immediately sets a tone of despair and introspection. This brief instrumental piece is a segue into the cacophony that follows, seamlessly transitioning into “Asbest”. Here, blast beats and searing melodies guide us through a landscape of raw emotion. P.G.’s visceral vocals are both a rallying cry and a lament, showcasing a range of emotion that is underscored by T.H.Z.’s relentless drumming and U.A.’s piercing guitar work.
“Dysthymian Dreams”, the album’s first single, exemplifies the seamless blend of aggression and melody that Groza is known for. Stretching over eight minutes, this track is a journey in itself—a dark odyssey that combines ferocious guitars with haunting undertones. The layered riffs and intricate compositions are a testament to the band’s meticulous attention to detail, making it a standout track that invites repeated listens.
The tracks “Equal. Silent. Cold.” and “Deluge” continue to delve deep into the band’s penchant for melding brutality with beauty. “Equal. Silent. Cold.” is a lesson in controlled fury, where P.G.’s infernal screams are matched step-for-step by the band’s powerful instrumentation. Meanwhile, “Deluge” extends beyond a typical black metal track into a nine-minute epic, invoking the recent works of bands like Gaerea. The song’s cascading riffs and pummeling rhythms create an almost suffocating atmosphere, a testament to the band’s ability to evoke a visceral response from the listener.
The album’s closer, “Daffodils”, features guest vocals from J.J. and M.S. of Harakiri For The Sky and Kard, respectively. This track brings a multi-layered depth to the album, drawing elements from Post-Black Metal and Atmospheric Black Metal. The sheer density of the composition, combined with the exceptional drumming by T.H.Z., makes for a climactic finale that leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, “Nadir” is a compelling body of work that manages to capture the essence of black metal while pushing its boundaries. The production, handled by the band’s founder P.G., is raw yet polished enough to let each instrument breathe in the mix. The melancholic clean guitar passages and dynamic song structures are indicative of the band’s commitment to evolving their sound.
Thematically, the album explores the depths of human emotion—anger, sadness, and a sense of foreboding run through its veins. The lyrical content is as dark and introspective as the music, creating a holistic experience that is both immersive and unsettling.
One of the album’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance moments of sheer aggression with subtle, melodic interludes. This juxtaposition not only enhances the emotional impact of the songs but also showcases the band’s versatility and musical prowess. The chaotic energy of tracks like “Asbest” and “Equal. Silent. Cold.” is beautifully counterbalanced by the contemplative intricacies of “Deluge” and “Daffodils”.
Favorite tracks on this album include “Dysthymian Dreams” for its epic scope and intricate layering, and “Daffodils”for its haunting beauty and guest contributions that add a new dimension to the band’s sound. The brutal yet melodic essence of “Deluge” also stands out, making it a track that envelops the listener in its dark embrace.
In conclusion, Groza’s “Nadir” is a powerful testament to their growth and resilience as a band. It is an album that not only respects the traditions of black metal but also pushes its boundaries in exciting and unexpected ways. For those who appreciate a blend of raw power and emotional depth, this album is a must-listen. My final rating for “Nadir” is 8.5/10.
Pre-Order ‘Nadir‘: https://save-it.cc/aop/nadir
‘Nadir’ Tracklisting:
- Soul: Inert
- Asbest
- Dysthymian Dreams
- Equal. Silent. Cold.
- Deluge
- Daffodils feat. J.J. & M.S. // Karg & Harakiri for the sky
GROZA is:
P.G. – lead vocals, bass (live), guitars
U.A. – backup vocals, guitars
T.H.Z. – drums
S.R. – guitars (live session)
Follow GROZA:
Bandcamp / Facebook / Instagram
AOP Records / District 19 (EU booking)
GROZA Tour Dates:
Oct 2 – Munchen, DE – Backstage
Oct 3 – Essen, DE – Turock
Oct 4 – Hamburg, DE – Kronensaal
Oct 5 – Berlin, DE – Badehaus
Oct 6 – Copenhagen, DK – Stengade
Oct 7 – Arnhem, NL – Willemeen
Oct 8 – Wasquehal, FR – The Black Lab
Oct 9 – Paris, FR – Glazart
Oct 10 – Aarburg, CH – Musigburg
Oct 11 – Bologna, IT – Arcanum Fest
Oct 12 – Vienna, AT – Vienna Metal Meeting
Oct 13 – Ljubljana, SI – Orto Bar
Oct 14 – Zagreb, HR – Mocvara
Oct 15 – Belgrade, SR – Zappa Baza
Oct 16 – Budapest, HU – A38
Oct 17 – Ostrava, CZ – Barrak
Oct 18 – Dresden, DE – Blauer Salon
Oct 19 – Poznan, PL – 2Progi
Oct 20 – Krakow, PL – Kamiennal2
