Al-Namrood are back from the desert to present their brand new release. This time around, the Saudi trio is offering a full-length named Astfhl Al Tha'r. This debut album is an hour long epic work of Oriental Black Metal. This trio consists of two musicians and a vocalist named Mukadars. As for the musicians, you have Mephisto on regular metal artillery, and Ostron taking care of all the Oriental instruments.
The Oriental instrumentation is one very different aspect of this act. To the rawer Black Metal touch, they added traditional instruments on each and every composition. Those sounds are intimately incorporated in their songs, as opposed to just in intros or instrumentals tracks here and there. Astfhl Al Tha'r takes it from where their previous work left off basically, while exploring deeper into the mystic world of harsh desert lands. Even if the sound production has a rawer edge, the melodious elements, like the keyboards and all the traditional instruments come together to make this album pleasant to listen. This music is perhaps not for everyone, and a few spins may be necessary to enjoy what was recorded. I could point out a few good tracks to listen to: "Ebadt Al Bashar", "Entesarat Al Ashawes", "Naqoos Alkhatar" (this one has cool and recognizable Oriental tonalities) and "Jabaroot Al Shar".
A cool release from the arid country of Saudi Arabia.
