The lovers of atmospheric black metal will definitely love this Argentinian one-man band based in Valeria del Sol and formed by A. in 2013. Downfall of Nur debuted with a demo in 2013, while Umbras e Forestas is the act’s first EP.
The title, which translates for ‘Shadows of the Forests’, renders very well the idea of this music that is much inspired by nature. Despite A. often resorts to fast blast beats, you will never have the feeling of a typical furious black metal. On the contrary, Umbras e Forestas is an album with dreamy atmospheres that will make you imagine of being in ancient and silent forests where you can hear the rustle of the trees. This depends much on the conflation of enchanted melodies and almost ambient-like keyboards. But nature is not the only source of inspiration of this EP that also draws on popular traditions. For example, “Su Cànticu de Sos Montes” is completely instrumental and played with keyboards and synths and has in my opinion evident folk influences. The mysterious voice of A. gives a big contribution to the whole and the underground production is very apt.
Of course Downfall of Nur is not innovating anything, but has potential, and Umbras e Forestas is very well crafted, even if not exceptional. I’m expecting great things in the future.
Notes:
Self-released on August 10 2014. Nur is the root of the name Nuraghe, which are the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia and developed by The Nuragic Civilization. Downfall of Nur basically means ‘Fall of the Nuragic Civilization’.
Tracklist:
1. Sa Aurora De Sos Astros
2. Su Cànticu de Sos Montes
3. Lunas Antighas
4. Umbras e Forestas
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com
The title, which translates for ‘Shadows of the Forests’, renders very well the idea of this music that is much inspired by nature. Despite A. often resorts to fast blast beats, you will never have the feeling of a typical furious black metal. On the contrary, Umbras e Forestas is an album with dreamy atmospheres that will make you imagine of being in ancient and silent forests where you can hear the rustle of the trees. This depends much on the conflation of enchanted melodies and almost ambient-like keyboards. But nature is not the only source of inspiration of this EP that also draws on popular traditions. For example, “Su Cànticu de Sos Montes” is completely instrumental and played with keyboards and synths and has in my opinion evident folk influences. The mysterious voice of A. gives a big contribution to the whole and the underground production is very apt.
Of course Downfall of Nur is not innovating anything, but has potential, and Umbras e Forestas is very well crafted, even if not exceptional. I’m expecting great things in the future.
Notes:
Self-released on August 10 2014. Nur is the root of the name Nuraghe, which are the main type of ancient megalithic edifice found in Sardinia and developed by The Nuragic Civilization. Downfall of Nur basically means ‘Fall of the Nuragic Civilization’.
Tracklist:
1. Sa Aurora De Sos Astros
2. Su Cànticu de Sos Montes
3. Lunas Antighas
4. Umbras e Forestas
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com