Released on: 24th November 2018
“On the bottom of the lake. Hiding in the dark. There is a creature, that was never meant to be. Once a human being, now a chimera, a fish-man, guarding the depth.” The press release of solo artist Nemus’ sophomore album See-Mensch describes. Inspiring thoughts about drinking Bailey’s out of an old shoe and rejecting manginas. “I’m old Greg!” The press release should have went on to say. But it doesn’t.
Instead we are told that the water and forest sounds were recorded by the artist himself. Which is fantastically good and are probably the most ambitious water sounds recorded since Nattefrosts’ Nattefrost Takes A Piss track. And as far as being a proclamation of self-affirming discovery is at least Copyright© free whilst being, wholly, a product of Bavarian heritage.
Which takes us on to territory. And like most of the modern black metal genre, of which Nemus is pertinent to, See-Mensch inhabits the strange space between carnal wildness and a discerning tenderness. Embracing the haughty air of classical pretentiousness while coming from a dark and angry place. With these traits reflected in the aggressive tremolo picking that contrasts the more conventional melodies found without distortion.
As is common place in the black metal genre, the riffs are inherited from wizened acts and adapted to suit. With derivatives of, or homage to bands like Ulver, Winterfylleth and Bach. Probably. See-Mensch is more Frank ‘n’ Rieglers’ monster than The Monster From The Black (Metal) Lagoon. But it’s a mighty daemon regardless.
7/10
