Al-Namrood - Kitab Al Awthan
$12.00 - $20.00
Al-Namrood - Kitab Al Awthan
$12.00 - $20.00
Kitab Al Awthan by the elusive Al-Namrood brings a heavier drone to the overall atmosphere than their previous works. It diligently sculpts this with sounds of cryptic folklore paired with melodic instrumental crossovers then back to there thrash style guitar work and pacing. A vibrant spirit of rebellion echoes throughout the entirety of this album. Kitab Al Awthan blends the band's unique style of fast and trippy riffs, guttural chants, dysrhythmic drum beats, frequent melodic change-ups, and instrumental focus shifts into one very dark, ancient world of arcane imagery.
These guys are great at giving each song it's own voice, an anthem even for some. It's difficult to find yourself bored listening to any song, there isn't much noticeable repetition from song to song. Some songs put heavy focus on what is being said through gnarly, vicious grunts. Other times, the high tones of the traditional instruments summon you into their realm. All of this while usually maintaining a speedy black metal undertone that screams rebellion and feels black to the very core! These themes and styles become more apparent in some of Al-Namrood’s later work.
I’d like to also mention track number 8, Bani La’em. Deep chords immediately punch you in the gut as we’re pulled into the fire yet again. Raspy, guttural spits hurl out words of seeming chaos and destruction. What I perhaps like the most about this track is the commanding guitars. They bring an air of assertion to what they are saying, this band has a beautiful way of conveying the power of their faith behind the notes and rhythms they choose. The song ends wonderfully with a high-winding, anxiety inducing spin into madness before finishing off with the exit of hard beat marching drums and guitar chords.
My big fascination with this group is not only their broad eclectic sounds, but the culture, religion and themes behind what is being said. I haven’t been able to find translations on many of their songs in general, but the few I have found indicate a very sinister past of human history. Being anti-Islam in their homeland of Saudi Arabia literally puts them at risk of being killed if they were to play in public forums. They keep their identities concealed to remain protected from their government. That’s conviction for the craft and faith to a next level. This is a great album to really get to know the embodiment of Al-Namrood. - Metal Archives
Pressing Information
Shaytan Production 2012. CD Limited to 1000.
Terror Music 2017. Digipack Edition.
Shaytan Productions 2021. Splatter Black/Orange LP. Limited to 100
Shaytan Productions 2021. Black LP. Limited to 150
