Nocturnus AD – Unicursal
Reviewed By: Jon Santitoro
Review Score: 8.5
To experience the music of Nocturnus AD is to embark upon an odyssey of the mind that stretches beyond the shadowy realms of time, space, sanity and death. Primarily the brainchild of death metal veteran and visionary song writer Mike Browning (drums, vocals), Nocturnus AD forms a sort of cosmic nexus between science fiction and Lovecraftian horror. Seldom in the history of extreme metal has a band been so entertaining and thought provoking.
Following the success of their 2019 release, Paradox, Nocturnus AD have finally returned with their much-anticipated sophomore effort, Unicursal. This latest release is naturally brimming with all of the elements one would come to expect from a Mike Browning led project: stellar guitar work (provided by Belial Koblak and Demian Heftel), complex rhythms, keyboard-heavy atmospherics (courtesy of Josh Holdren) and paranormal/sci-fi inspired lyrics. Indeed, listening to Unicursal is somewhat akin to watching a season of Ghost In The Shell or The X Files. There are “stand-alone” tracks on Unicursal that encompass a variety of subject matter which are unrelated to the concept tracks on the album’s latter half. These interwoven concept tracks continue the saga of Dr. Magus, a compelling mythos created by Browning during the band’s original incarnation in the early 90’s.
After the short but intense instrumental ‘Intro’, Nocturnus AD come rampaging out of the gate with ‘Ascension Throne Of Osiris’. This is an excellent introductory track for anyone unfamiliar with Nocturnus AD, as it showcases the band firing on all cylinders and without mercy. ‘Cephalogod’, with it’s creepy, growling intro, is more of a mid-tempo stomper that is well placed here to shake things up a bit.
The eight-plus minute epic ‘Mesolithic’ is an absolute masterpiece that features a tribal, percussive opening and odd (but brilliant) instrumental interlude midway through.
The back half of the album is equally great, featuring four tracks (and the instrumental, ‘Outro’) that continue the story of Browning’s protagonist, Dr Magus. ‘Mission Malkuth’ is an interesting track in the Nocturnus tradition that is both complex and atmospheric, highlighted by alternating lead breaks near it’s end. ‘Yesod, The Dark Side Of The Moon’, is infectiously catchy, and would be a worthwhile addition to the band’s live set. The nearly nine-minute track, ‘Hod, The Stellar Light’ boasts a retro feel and groove that fans of the band’s early 90’s incarnation will definitely appreciate. The climactic ‘Netzach, The Fire Of Victory’ concludes the conceptual portion of the album in fine fashion, while the eerie, atmospheric ‘Outro’ finishes Unicursal as a whole.
Overall, Unicursal is an excellent album with top-tier musicianship and creative songwriting throughout. And once again Nocturnus AD prove that they are set to push all the boundaries and redefine the concepts of extreme metal into the next generation.
Unicursal is out now via Profound Lore Records.