Out of the barren plains of America's mid west comes Nethervoid, a relatively new band to join the already burgeoning US black metal scene. The quartet which formed back in 2004 by Lord Visigoth (guitars) and Berith (vocals) issued their first demo cassette release entitled Templar of the Judas Goat in 2006. Based on the strength of this demo the band, now rounded out by drummer Mortaeus and bassist Deithulhurus (honestly where do they come up with these names) eventually garnered enough interest for this full length debut album Sirens of The Blistering Light.
While there isn't anything remotely original regarding their oh so typical corpse style war paint, the band actually turns in a solid effort with what counts the most, the music. For the most part they manage to keep things interesting via a plethora of caustic guitar riifage and various tempo changes, interspersed with the odd atmospheric passage, so the listener is kept engaged for the most part throughout. If there's one weak link here though I'd have to say it's Berith's vocals. His gurgling style tends to get a bit monotonous at times and fails to give the majority of these tracks that little extra bit of character needed to take them to the next level.
Sirens of The Blistering Light is a promising opening statement from Nethervoid. Is it entirely original or something you haven't heard before? Not really but that being said, based on the evidence here these guys certainly appear to be more than capable musicians so I wouldn't be surprised if their next effort ends up making more of an impact.
Track Listing
1) Sirens Of The Blistering Light
2) Wyrm Of World's End
3) The Nethers Nativity
4) Southern Convex
5) Of This Sacred Circle
6) Vines In A Virgin's Body
7) Towering Pillars Of Six
8) 1,000 Hands Of The Assiduous Specter