Folk
metal at its best is a fantastic form of escapism and certainly the
most evocative of all of metal's kaleidoscope of genres. It's this
quality that makes Al-Namrood's Kitab Al-Awthan ('The Book of
Idols') such an engaging and intriguing listen. From the first
jarring note of 'Mirath al Shar' the album transports the listener
through a particularly menacing vision of the band's native Saudi
Arabian culture.
It's
this that really sets Al-Namrood apart from the pack. The Middle
Eastern influences really bring a unique and completely fresh feel to
the band's familiar black metal stylings. Everything you would expect
from a black metal band is present – harsh vocals, fierce blast
beats and that whining guitar tone that is particular to this strain
of metal – however its dark and otherworldly atmosphere is enhanced
by the Arabian instrumentation and arrangement. Long after the
earliest black metal bands terrified listeners with their new demonic
sound, it is rare to find a band today that still sounds genuinely
frightening. Satan simply isn't scary any more. The Middle East, on
the other hand, most certainly is and it is this – that
uncomfortable unfamiliarity – that makes Kitab Al-Awthan
such a spine-tingling experience.
It
is very easy to label albums that mix different styles as little more
than a novelty piece (indeed, there are some who believe that all
folk-inspired metal is simply a novelty, rather than a mature and
nuanced genre in its own right), but it is an accusation that would
be harsh to level at Al-Namrood. This album is far more complex than
simply overlaying Eastern-inspired melodies on top of traditional
black metal, Al-Namrood's entire approach to making music is clearly
influenced by traditional Arabian music. The clearest example of this
on Kitab Al-Awthan is the penultimate track 'Bani La'em',
which is driven mostly by its guitar and drum work and yet still
maintains its Arabian flavour just as strongly as any other song on
the album, while its more understated use of traditional
instrumentation make it more accessible to those who prefer more
straightforward black metal.
Kitab
Al-Awthan is a challenging listen and is at first slightly
overwhelming. The familiar black metal influences are instantly
recognisable, but often the unfamiliar melodies and song structures
are surprising and, at first, slightly confusing. This album is an
ideal introduction for listeners, not only to Al-Namrood, but also to
Middle Eastern metal in general. However, those who are already
familiar with the band are unlikely to find anything they haven't
already heard on previous releases. As a display of brutal, Arabian
black metal Kitab Al-Awthan is a compelling proof-of-concept,
however the lack of variety on display may discourage repeat
listens.
I
found Kitab Al-Awthan to be a genuinely refreshing listen and
one that is highly recommended for anyone for anyone who is seeking
an original and interesting album, especially if your tastes are
suited to the more brutal end of the metal spectrum.
VERDICT
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