For a debut effort, “Nord” is an interesting listen. While the Neurosis, Cult of Luna and Isis overtones are prominent, there is also a dash of the likes of the Cocteau Twins and My Bloody Valentine to be found here and there, and even the likes of the Cure and Eyehategod! If this isn’t enough for the listener to take in all at once, an even more impressive fact about this quintet’s debut is that the lyrics are entirely in the band’s mother tongue.

Tracks such as the eight-plus minute epics “Somnambule”, “Traversée” and “Les Mains de l’Empereur” are exactly that; expansive, brutal, atmospheric, and beautiful. While it might seem that there are plenty of bands offering something similar to the palate, nothing tastes quite like Year of no Light’s own année sombre. The take on the Neurosis sound is certainly unique, and the end results are excellent to boot. If that works for you, pick this one up.
-Toby Davies

 

 

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