NIVRAYM

3.5 stars.The way this album ends from tracks six through 9 is incredible. They have a guest keyboard player (Oguchi Kenichi) who plays for KENSO and also played on Yoshida's other band RUINS "Symphonica" record. A female soprano vocalist has been added as well.

"Nivraym" features tribal-like drumming with guitar and vocals. Half way through the vocals get a little crazy and the sounds get dissonant before returning to the original sound. Great opening song. "Becttem Pollt" has uptempo instrumental sections, while the vocals range from slow to fast. This song is often chaotic. "Lussesoggi Zomn" is the first song with the soprano female vocals as they join the piano to begin with before a full sound comes in. This contrast continues. We get some organ 2 minutes in and I really like the instrumental passage after 5 minutes. The song ends as it began. This is the best song so far. "Vissqauell" is an uptempo track with guitar and lots of drums and vocals. The vocals can be a little tough to listen to at times on this one.

"Mederro Passquirr" has a great rhythm to it as male vocals and pounding drums arrive a minute in. Female soprano vocals come in 2 1/2 minutes in and she can really let it rip. Good song although the vocals are again challenging. "Axall Hasck" has some fantastic instrumental music on it. The bass, guitar and drums shine. Female vocals arrive 1 1/2 minutes in. The bass and female vocals in particular are outstanding. "Maschtervoz" opens with spoken words and gentle guitar that are blown out by a heavy soundscape including vocals. This contrast continues. We get some Vander-like vocals with some excellent guitar to follow. "Gassttrumm" features some heavy, dark sounds including deeper vocals that work great with the high pitch female vocals. Some nice keyboard work followed by guitar that signals a change as it slows right down. Vibraphone comes in and powerful drums as pace picks back up. "Vallczeremdoss" builds as guitar and drums are prominant early before bass and vocals take the spotlight.

I have never been a big fan of frantic, chaotic music no matter how well it is played. Great way to end the album though.