NAMI: The Eternal Light Of The Unconscious Mind

NAMI is a progressive metal band hailing from the south western European country Andorra. In the band are Filipe Baldaia (guitars, vocals, samples), Ivan Marin Aparicio (guitars), Ricard Tolosa Aivar (bass), Sergi Verdeguer Moyano (drums, vocals) and Roger Andreu Nicolás (vocals). Guests include Loïc Rossetti (The Ocean) and Carlos Lozano and Marc Martins of the metal band Persefone.

The band's debut Fragile Alignment came out in 2011 which I have not heard. Their sophomore effort The Eternal Light Of The Unconscious Mind was released Nov. 4 of last year. The band combine death growls, screams and clean vocals and there are some nice background harmonies as well. I must admit I do prefer the clean vocals but the growls are done well and work with the band's progressive death metal approach. Lots of heavy guitar riffs and pummeling drums are found within but the band also know how to slow it down and inject atmosphere into their compositions adding a post rock vibe to some of the tracks.. It is this varied approach that serves the band well helping to ensure the music never gets stale.

Highlights include the intense progressive death metal of the album opening "The Beholders" and the slow dirge like melancholy of the album ending "The Dream Eater" filled with contrasting clean vocals and growls, intoxicating guitar riffs, heavy melodic synths, pretty acoustic guitar and wonderful saxophone provided by Efrem Roca.

Oh yeah, this is also a concept album. Each song represents dreams from each of the band members. Quite original and a deeply personal statement from the band.

Special mention must be made of the artwork supplied by Alberto Ballesteros. The paintings are marvelous with each one conveying dark atmospheric dream-like landscapes true to the concept. Not sure if that was the intention but they round out the package nicely.

The Eternal Light Of The Unconscious Mind is a well-rounded progressive metal album displaying fantastic chops and nice variety that grew on me with repeated listens. For fans of Opeth, Isis and related bands.

Track Listing:
1. The Beholders (7:58)
2. Ariadna (5:11)
3. Silent Mouth (5:57)
4. Hunter's Dormancy (6:22)
5. The Animal and Golden Throne (3:23)
6. Bless of Faintness (3:16)
7. Hope in Faintness (6:52)
8. Crimson Sky (4:23)
9. The Dream Eater (9:36)

Added: March 13th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1822
Language: english

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