NORD

"Nord" is the debut full-length studio album by French, Bordeaux based post/sludge-metal act Year of No Light. The album was released through Radar Swarm Records in September 2006. Year of No Light formed in 2001 and released a 2004 demo before being signed for the release of "Nord".

Stylistically the music on the album is heavy, slow-to mid-paced, and quite atmospheric. I´m more than one time reminded of Isis which is also due to the use of distorted hardcore/blackened screaming vocals. Year of No Light also have a very melodic and sometimes almost symphonic atmospheric edge to their music. There are actually a considerable amount of melodies amidst the heavy riffing which works well for the band. The more aggressive and massive heavy moments of the band´s music leans more toward sludge metal, but there are plenty of slow-building atmosperic music here too.

"Nord" is a well produced album, and there´s some high level musicianship on display here too, so upon conclusion it´s a good quality release combining atmospheric post-metal with heavier and more aggressive sludge metal. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).