Nachtmystium is becoming one of the US black metal movement’s more renowned acts, having recently been signed to Century Media. However, don’t mistake that for Nachtmystium being some Dimmu Borgir-styled band; the band is very much no-nonsense, raw black metal. Well, at least on this self-titled 2003 EP, kindly reissued by Battle Kommand Records in 2005.

The black metal to be found on Nachtmystium is speedy, harsh black metal more in the vein of Judas Iscariot than the somber, suicidal dirges of Xasthur or Weakling (though there are mid-paced moments where the riffs and guitar tone do indeed recall Xasthur, such as the opening of "The Call of the Ancient"). Zmij’s vocal performance is very scathing and desperate, but typical of most USBM acts. The drumming isn’t anything overly special, but it keeps the motion of the bleak tone steady and reliable. The real treat in the music here lies in the predictable, but entertaining riffs and low-fi production. The riffs are very catchy, at times melodic with a slight Bathory vibe, and easy to follow. Combine this with the surprising BOOM sound the low-fi production creates early on in the EP- I heard it and thought something exploded in my apartment- and you have a delightfully repugnant slice of black metal. Throw in the nice Judas Iscariot cover, and any USBM fan will listen to this giddy as a school girl.

Nachtmystium’s self-titled EP isn’t amazing, but it’s a solid addition to most black metal collections. There’s not much here that a black metal fan won’t gobble up, and it won’t alienate the orthodox purist crowd either.

Review byNecro-tron