Ninnuam - Process of Life Separation (Crash Music)
Recently, I’ve approached much of Crash Music’s material with the
same vigor Anna Nicole Smith might dive into Tofu salad, so when presented with
this album, my hope’s weren’t that high. However, when I noted this
is actually licensed from Finland’s rather respectable Low Frequency Records,
there was a spark of hope. While initial listens of this Swedish death/black
metal act may conjure Dimmu Borgir comparisons (rightfully so), Ninnuam gave
their vehement material their own personality not unlike other slightly more
brutal takes on the genre, (i.e. Grief of Emerald, Bloodthorn and Gehenna).
Polished (courtesy of Finnvox), keyboard laden, but pummeling, Process…
is surprisingly compelling for a debut that obviously caters to the Dimmu crowd
and offers no real advancement of black/death metal, it’s just done well.
The corpse paint free band is adept at delivering all degrees of their chosen
spectrum with ease. From epic, majestic blast beats to ugly, lurching moments
of classic Scandinavian death metal, Ninnuam have little regard for plagiarism,
as their energy and to the point song writing gnashes away with immediacy and
the skill of a far more veteran act. Now don’t get me wrong, this stuff
is hardly original, and many naysayers will upon a brief listen cry afoul of
blatant Puritanical Misanthropic Euphoria copying, but there’s a little
more to Ninnuam’s sound. My initial test of such bands is “How would
they sound without keyboards”? Answer? Ninnuam would still be a pretty
scathing act with a solid mix of blackened, Marduk-sih immediacy (“Sect”,
“Morbid Appealing”) and more varied death metal traumatics (“Godhead”,
“My Sphere” “Dark Visions”) and blistering blends of
the two (“Scar Salvation”, “Optional Existence”). In
a refreshing facet, you also get the tangible impression that Ninnuam are solely
out to produce aggressive music and not dwell on over the top theatrics and
imagery or superficial atmospherics. While not a truly ‘melodic’
act per say, Ninnuam do inject just enough memorable harmonies to appeal to
fans of Compos Mentis, Callendish Circle et al, as heard on the acidic “Soulwounded”,
that the songs don’t just wash away with one listen.
As if to hammer home an already solid album, Ninnuam close with the seven minute
opus “Age of Unknown” that shows another side, by virtue of some
slower, melancholy, grandiose riffage and well placed synth work. Growler/screamer
Mattias Johansson has powerful if familiar voice, even if he does look like
a US fashion-core reject and the need for clean vocal refrains is only utilized
briefly (“Optional Existence”). Overall, a solid, solid album that
doesn’t strive to break new ground, just give the old road a nice new
layer of tarmac. You could (and Crash Music has) do far worse than this. Now
what the hell does Ninnuam mean? Anyone?
Reviewed by : [Erik Thomas]
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Live 4 Metal
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation (Crash Music)
I have to admit, when I first got my hands on this CD I didn’t expect
much more than another run-of-the-mill death metal band with a weird name and
a cool album cover. Boy was I wrong. From the pleasantly eerie intro to the
title track to the very end, the listener is taken on a musical journey through
the twisted mind of a killer. Emphasized by the CD booklet that cleverly mixes
in some of the lyrics with newspaper clippings and police documents detailing
crime. The band photos are even included as mug shots. It’s refreshing
find an insert put together in a way that makes the listening experience that
much more enjoyable.
Hailing from Sweden, Ninnuam play a brutally aggressive hybrid of symphonic
black and death metal while adding enough variety and melodic elements to keep
things interesting. The tunes offered up on this disc are very well crafted.
I was very impressed with the way each individual puts forth a strong performance
while at the same time allowing each other plenty of room to breathe (i.e. clean
guitars layered over heavy guitar or the way the keys tend to accent the guitars
as opposed to copying the riff note for note). Excellent musicianship. Excellent
songs.
Kim Laakso and Robert Gustavsson are as impressive as any guitar duo out there
today. The technical precision and downright heaviness of their playing is sure
to impress even the most dedicated of shredders. Vocalist Mattias Johansson
comes across as the voice of madness itself. He’s crafted his own style
of screaming and growling that comes across as intense, powerful and fairly
understandable at times. Hands downs he's one of the better throats in the genre.
Rounded out by the relentless drumming of Thord Brannkarr and ultra-tight punchiness
(although a little too low in the mix in my opinion) bass of Mans Jaktlund and
topped off with a somewhat theatrical element by the haunting keys of Robert
Johansson, Process Of Life Separation is, for lack of a better term, a kick-ass
metal album.
Comparable, but in no way a clone of bands like Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir,
this Swedish sextet is primed and ready to take their spot among the bigwigs
of metal. I can’t wait for the 2nd release.
Review by: Ryan <<BACK
Ninnuam - Process of Life Separation
I can honestly say this is the first album in a long time to grab my attention
as hard, as quickly, and as satisfyingly as “Process of Life Separation”
has. I almost hate using this word but perfect is the word coming to mind over
and over again. Ninnuam has blended and mastered the perfect mix of Death and
Black metal styles. In “Process…” you have everything represented
that fans of both genres have come to adore and will hold this album in high
regard for. Contained within this album are the gritty vocal styling and bruising,
seething melodies of the best Death metal bands, while mixing in the dark, ill
natured themes of the black metal realm.
Reviews never seem to do justice to an album, no matter how good or bad the
review is. That is especially true in this case! One listen will be all you
need to agree, this is THE seminal release of the year in the metal market.
Key Track: Process of Life Separation
Reviewed by: Jeff Farver
<<BACK
Unchain The Underground
NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
Before I get into the musical content of this let me say something. This is
one of the finest layouts EVER for any album in any genre of music. The cover
has a murdered person, with the spirit in the corner recoiling in horror at
the sight of his corpse, the inside has documents about murder including newspaper
articles, autopsy reports, pictures..and the lyrics tell a horrible story. They
tell the tale of a revenge killing of sorts, and the highs and lows that came
with it. Very few "concept albums" really sink in for me, this, Nightfall
in Middle Earth by BLIND GUARDIAN, and Sightveiler by NECROMICON are in fact
the only concept albums I can listen to and feel I totally get.
Now, to the music, the tale told here is horrendous and is told over some unique
blackened death metal. Most of it is mid-pace but speed is not necessary in
this case, not all the time. The mood kind of fits all of the songs according
to the lyrics, its so incredibly well planned and thought out and I love that.
NINNUAM really get the point across lyrically and musically.
There is a lot going on in this album and I don't want to really go further
in depth about the story told then I already have but its incredible. This is
without a doubt one of the top 5 albums of this year, and it will certainly
give INSOMNIUM and FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING a run for their money on my #1 spot.
I just love everything about this album, and I hope NINNUAM catch on and become
well known, they deserve it more than you could possibly fathom.
Rating 10/10
Reviewed by: Rick <<BACK
Metalius
NINNUAM - process of life separation
Fuck – was für eine supergeile Scheibe ist mir denn da in den CD-Player
geflattert??? Kaum zu glauben, aber bis zu diesem Moment war mir über die
Existenz einer Band namens NINNUAM absolut gar nichts bekannt. Okay, bei kleineren
Ausflügen in die Dämonenwelt des Necronomicons ist mir der Begriff
als Siegelname für die Kraft Marduks, des Herr aller Herren und Magier
aller Magier, schon über den Weg gelaufen, doch wirklich befasst habe ich
mich auch damit bislang nicht weiter.
Doch nun dreht „Process Of Life Separation“ seine tiefschwarzen Runden in meinem CD-Spieler, umwabert hypnotisch meine Akustikrezeptoren, und ich komme aus dem Bangen und begeisterten Mitwippen so rein gar nicht mehr heraus. Vom ersten bis zum letzten Ton ist das Debütalbum des schwedischen Sextetts eine Ansammlung fantastischer Black Metal-Songs, wobei es gar nicht so leicht fällt, die zehn Tracks überhaupt einem einzigen Genre zuzuordnen, denn Ninnuam verstehen es überaus geschickt, eine wundervoll schmeckende Melange aus atmosphärischem Schwarzmetall, treibenden Todesblei-Elementen, harten Thrash-Riffs und groovenden Hardcore-Passagen zu bereiten. Das hört sich übertrieben an? Nun, dann kostet doch mal von diesem delikaten Mahl, lasst eure Ohren in begeisternde Tracks wie den Opener und Titelsong „Process of life separation“ versinken, taucht eure Sinne in die geheimnisvolle Düsternis eines Titels wie „Scar Salvation“ oder genießt das wundervoll atmosphärische Keyboardspiel bei „Godhead“ und lasst euch einfach hinabgleiten in die finstersten Welten der Schweden um Frontshouter Mattias Johansson. Ein derartig abwechslungsreicher und innovativer Longplayer ist mir in der Black Metal-Sparte schon seit langem nicht mehr begegnet und mit Songs wie dem atmosphärisch-brutalen „Dark Visions“ (für mich mit der stärkste Titel auf diesem Silberling) oder „Soulwounded“ mit seiner aggressiven Dynamik lassen die Matte jedes Metalheads schwingen wie einen Ventilator.
Klasse Debüt und für mich bislang einer der heißesten Anwärter
auf das beste Schwarzheimer-Album in 2004. Klare Kaufempfehlung und Pflicht
für alle Freunde des stimmungsvollen, melodischen Black Metals!
9 von 10 Punkten
Reviewed by: Andreas Neitzel
<<BACK
Eternity Magazin
Ninnuam-Process of Life Separation CD
NINNUAM aus Sweden spielen melodischen, erhabenen Black Metal mit Death Metal-Einflüssen...Und
sie machen ihre Sache ziemlich gut, muß ich sagen!! Beim ersten Durchhören
von "Process Of Life Separation" konnte mich die Musik zwar noch nicht
umhauen, aber spätestens beim dritten Durchlauf zündeten die teilweise
wirklich guten Stücke dann. Die Songs verfügen über ein gerüttelt
Maß an Melodie und die Keyboards kreieren eine beklemmende Stimmung, statt
die Musik seifig und kitschig erscheinen zu lassen. So muß es sein!!
Trotz aller Raserei und Brutalität bleiben die Stücke schnell im Ohr
hängen. Das dürfte viele True-Evil-Underground-Blackies zwar furchtbar
anpissen, aber das ist mir eigentlich ziemlich egal. Hin und wieder macht man
einen gekonnten Schlenker richtung Melodic Death Metal (z.B. bei "My Sphere"),
was dem Abwechslungsreichtum von "Process Of Life Separation" sehr
zugute kommt. Besonders gut haben mir "Godhead", das rabiate "Sect"
(der beste Song des Albums!!), das eingängige "Dark Visions",
sowie das bereits erwähnte, Death Metal-lastige "My Sphere" gefallen.
Der Sound ist nicht nur für Black Metal-Verhältnisse sehr fett und
erinnert viel eher an aktuellere Dimmu Borgir-Werke als an alte DarkThrone-
oder Bathory-Schoten. Die Musiker beherrschen ihre Instrumente und nicht umgekehrt,
was ich als weiteren Pluspunkt werte (das sehen viele Schwarzwurzel-Knilche
sicher anders...). Wer auf Dimmu Borgir steht, kann hier eigentlich bedenkenlos
zugreifen, wer hingegen Keyboards und Bombast im Black Metal verabscheut, sollte
'nen mächtig großen Bogem um NINNUAM machen!! www.crashmusic.com
Rating 6/6
Reviewed by: Philip Schnitker
<<BACK
Daredevil Magazine
Ninnuam-Process of Life Separation CD
Never heard of these guys before, but look for this debut disc to turn some
heads. Ninnuam play a very brutal, yet melodic hybrid of blackened death metal
that charges out of the gate with pounding double bass and frost-bitten riffs
but works in a great amount of melody as well, using keyboards to build some
nice atmosphere. What I really dig about these guys is that they don't overuse
the keyboards, they are kept deep within the music adding some heavybackground
atmospheres and dark moods but never going too overboard. The music has a lot
of variety going from much heavier parts, with punishing blasts beats to quiet
moments with some acoustic guitar, and great guitar melodies. The vocals are
a nonstop assault of vicious screams and growls that sound great, with a very
brief appearance of clean vocals in the background from time to time ("Optional
Existence"). Everything about this disc is top-notch, these guys are definitely
a tight band and the song writing is very powerful. They've got a lot of 5+
minute songs, that don't lose your attention at all and that's a very high compliment
for these guys. Great production too, just all in all a stellar disc. If you
dig the more melodic side of black metal but definitely need some brutality
as well, give these guys a shot. I really dug this one and can't wait to hear
more from these guys down the road!
Rating 7/7
Reviewed by JS <<BACK
Stereo Killer
NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
Review:
This is by far the best CD I've gotten today. Crushing, Heavy, Melodic, Symphonic,
Brutal. I guess you could call them a cross between death and black metal...
but whatever you call them, I'll just call them damn good. The vocals (both
the deep and the higher pitched) are fucking fantastic, and they are arranged
with the music absolutely flawlessly. The drummer doesn't miss a beat, and their
guitarists are both obviously very skilled. I kinda wish there were some more
solos, but this will do just fine as it is. Chances are if you like metal of
almost any kid, this will rock your socks.
The atmosphere of the release is depressing and gloomy, and very well defined.
I'd say the best song on this is probably "Dark Visions" - which starts
of strong and keeps rocking until the last note. The entire album had my interest
the entire time, highly unusual, seeing as how I hear hundreds of CDs a month.
This band is great, and the metal world has only begun to hear from them. I'm
sure they will make their name heard shortly.
Rating: 91/100
Posted By: cbrickhouse <<BACK
TARTAREAN DESIRE
NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
Looking before listening, one must see quite a similarity between Ninnuam's
booklet and that from The Haunted's sophomore release. The layout is quite similar,
not that this is a bad thing. In fact, one of the band members (the drummer)
is sporting a shirt from The Haunted. Continuing to look without a listen, this
six piece band has a Jack White look-alike, someone that looks like a member
of The Hives (or The Strokes or The Vines or The ____s), a castoff from Powerman
5000, a Nü Metal poser in a straitjacket and two "long hairs."
Thank the deity of your choice that appearances are deceiving and don't judge
this book by its cover. The music kills.
Instant comparisons to current Black Metal heavyweights Dimmu Borgir are appropriate,
at least from their last two releases, though this band is no clone. Also warranted
are additional comparisons to The Haunted, particularly the already referenced
second album, The Haunted Made Me Do It. This is a genre-skirting band only
inasmuch that elements of Black, Death, and Thrash abound almost equally. The
inclusion of a keyboard allows the Black Metal label to dominate but this is
a bit more than that. For the record there is no Cradle of Filth wankery present
on this release, mercifully so.
Also adding to the Black Metal aesthetic is the use of corpsepaint. Images courtesy of the band’s official website, though not in the liner notes, show a very Immortal looking drummer and some Dimmu Borgir looking faces to round out the band. So what, right? Right. The music is killer. Dynamics are used to fill out the shredding guitar riffs that are already framed effectively by atmospheric keyboards (and even a choir late in the album), bringing the Dimmu Borgir similitude to the fore. The drumming recalls Immortal in its quasi-Thrash styling. The lead throat is quite similar to Marco Aro’s debut with The Haunted.
What is perhaps most impressive about Process of Life Separation is that this is a debut record. It sounds like one steeped in years of Metal excellence. If you are a fan of any of the bands already mentioned here, do yourself – and Ninnuam – a favor and get this album. The future is quite bright for this extreme Metal outfit hailing from Sweden. I wish them every success and hope to be able to experience more of their technical prowess in the coming years. \m/
Additional caveat: the last 75 seconds of the album are comprised by a pastoral
piano and atmospheric keyboard interlude suitable for representing the closing
credits of a great album.
Rating 8 of 10
Reviewed by: Tony Belcher
<<BACK
Metal Heart
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
Lättretliga gaphalsar verkar finnas överallt. Nu har
även Katrineholm en alldeles egen vansinnespluton som skändar gravar,
pissar i kollekthåvar och busringer till ortens pastorer. Men det är
förstås inte sant. Ninnuams maskineri består av sex välkammade
herrar som ser lika timida ut som en Nalle Puh på valium. Inget Burzum
med kyrkbrändsaspirationer alltså.
Och varför skulle de ha det? Någon Black Metal med ”true”, ”grim & evil” och ”fucking old-school” i kitteln är det ju inte – verkligen inte. Som jag skämtsamt (hmm …) brukar säga så är melodi Ninnuams melodi. Finhacka Dimmu Borgir, strimla Cradle of Filth, bryn Skyfire och flambera Alghazanth; blanda och låt sedan stå – och voila! Inget Ninnuam i ett nötskal, men väl i en ugnsform. Bon apetit, typ.
Slickande synthklink inleder schabraket och sedan är det raffinerat och explicit kvadratös som ångvältar sig fram. ”Godhead” är i sina melodiösa excesser fullkomligt briljant och det samma gäller för efterspinnaren ”My Sphere” som med sitt luftiga, demi-Satyricon-aktiga riff tvingar mig till fullskalig reträtt. Förbannat snyggt, alltså! Man skulle nu lätt kunna få för sig att en läkarspritsbehandlad ljudbild med kirurgiskt precist instrumentpuzzlande medför en försvagad brutalitetsfaktor, men Ninnuam lyckas på ett outgrundligt sätt förena dessa två motpoler. En dubbelbetonad eloge för det.
Dåsig landsvägskörning förekommer, dock i försiktiga ransoner. Efter den, av mig, hyllade ”My Sphere” tar den händelserika starten ut sin rätt, vilket går ut över några ömkansvärda arvingar. Dock blåser det i spår numro sju ”Optional Existence” upp till nukleär storm igen som för med sig radioaktiva nedfall i form av besynnerligt melodisköna riff.
Eggvassa strupansträngningar i ett avgrundslikt dubbelkagge-krig med militant
undersköna riffkaskader. Mer begripligt: övermelodiös Black Metal
med några drag av Death Metal. Meningen är densamma i alla fall:
detta är förbannat bra!
Rating 8/10 <<BACK
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
With roots stretching back to the fall of 01 it was not until the following summer when Ninnuam actually cemented their lineup and began cranking out their brand of black/death metal. Just 2 appearances on a couple of compilations and a 4 song demo is all that is behind the legacy of this powerhouse prior to the release of "Process Of Life Separation", their Crash Music debut.
Don't let the spooky piano intro on the album's title track, "Process
Of Life Separation" fool you, this album is about to BLOW UP! That little
piano loop continues while Ninnuam takes flight. Mattias Johansson (vocals),
Kim Laasko (guitars), Robert Gustavsson (guitars), Mans Jaktlund (bass), Thord
Brannkarr (drums), and Robert Johansson (keys) are the pillars of this black
metal stalwart! The guys in Ninnuam waste NO TIME in getting right down to business.
It's an absolute avalanche of sound on "Godhead". From the wall of
guitars provided by Laasko and Gustavasson to the suttle highlights provided
by Robert Johansson on keys, Ninnuam is for real! "My Sphere" fades
in nicely and quickly gets up to speed before a slight shift downwards. A perfect
song for all those hair whipping windmill headbangers out there! "Sect"
actually has a somewhat slower, darker (if that's even possible) vibe to it,
mostly due to the breakdown choruses. All engines are running hot by the time
"Dark Visions" rolls around. The track is all straight forward until
the midway point where things reach a climax of sorts and slowly rebuild themselves
back to a fever pitch by the end of the song. Things are shifted back for a
brief minute on "Scar Salvation", but only for a minute mind you!
The mayhem ensues right as the first of 4 really solid musical changes occur
on this track. "Optional Existence" provides a higher toned twist
to the lower toned material previously heard but don't expect the doom and gloom
to go away...it's the bread and butter of this album! "Soulwounded"
and "Morbid Appealing" come through as 2 of the shorter tracks on
the album (both under 3 minutes) but provide that critical push down the homestretch
with their unrelenting speed and precision! "Age Of Unknown" leads
this streaking locomotive back into the station with a much slower tempo but
is just as theatrical and operatic sounding as the rest of the album. It all
comes full circle by the end of the track as that piano loop once again rears
it's head for a slow and unexpected finish.
Black metal fans looking for the new blood of the genre should be DAMN sure
to make a stop at http://www.ninnuam.com/ and check it out!
Rating 8 of 10
Reviewed by: Anthony Pagano
<<BACK
Metalcoven E-Zine
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
I can see the arguments now. Every time a band pops up with this sound
the arguments begin over whether of not they should be called black metal or
death metal… or blackened death metal. Similar to Naglfar, Tidfall, and
the like, Ninnuam inhabit a slightly gray area in extreme metal. The core of
the sound seems thoroughly blackened and a little symphonic, but the heaviness
of their sound has more in common with death. Fuck labels. I'm going to refer
to Ninnuam as deathened black metal since I think that's funny and descriptive.
Seriously though, I guess it's obvious that Ninnuam don't have a highly original
sound, so what makes them so special?
To be honest, the element that makes them so special eludes me, but I know it's there. I can listen to this album and just be hooked on it and not know why. The songs are simply excellent, but don't seem to do anything immediately special. There's something very real and even accessible about these guys - often referred to as the X factor - even though they are playing music that is not the least bit accessible (at least by normal definitions) and generally is more fantasy than reality. I think it comes down to the sincerity of the band itself. If they are doing music that genuinely flows from them, it shows. As the renowned violinist Itzhak Perlmen said, "If you just recite, it's not as meaningful." I think too many bands are just reciting metal ideas instead of letting the metal flow out of them with purpose. Not so with Ninnuam.
The production is excellent and really shows how heavy this band is. It also
allows their energy to show through. I'm betting they have a killer live show.
Their guitar tone is a perfect metal tone. The drums have just the right kick
to them while retaining a slightly live feel. The keyboards are used throughout,
but are never overbearing at all. The vocals are fairly dynamic and excellently
produced, but retain a bit of an emotive, raw quality. They don't feel like
they are buried in effects like so many other bands. Maybe I've just become
a bit sensitive to that, but a lot of bands rely heavily on certain effects
to make their vocals harsh. While I don't really mind that at all as long as
it sounds good, it's nice to hear a vocalist who doesn't really need that to
sound great, or at the very least, a producer who doesn't make it obvious that
effects are being used. Regardless, I just don't have any complaints about this
band or this album. If you want some really good extreme metal that is memorable
and enjoyable, Ninnuam is your band.
Rating 8 of 10
Review By: K. Ledbetter <<BACK
The Plague
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
Ninnuam formed in the summer of 2002. They have recorded on Smackrock 2003 and
Rather Badly Compilation CD. They also released a demo titled Scar Salavation
prior to their latest album Process of Life Separation. The albums holds the
dark vibe expected of a band whose name was derived from the Necronomicon. The
album was well-written emphasizing their multitude of influences. The band lists
their major influences as Dimmu Borgir, Dark Funeral, Entombed, and Immortal.
The album is a skillful mix of death and black metal. Robert J’s keyboarding
serves as a soft delicacy throughout the album. “Process of Life Separation”
creates a gloomy atmosphere. The rhythms and vocal patterns in “Dark Visions”
serve as rather catchy, while “Star Salvation” sets a more melodic
tone. Kim and Robert G. are talented guitarists that play some heavy riffs in
“Age of Unknown.” Thord played some killer blast beats, and the
group included some slamming hardcore breakdowns.
Rating 8/10
Reviewed by: [Lo Walker]
<<BACK
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
This is the debut album of the band and their music has its roots deep into death metal, although you can also find some black metal influences as well. Although it is only their debut album the guys sound very solid, like they have been playing together for many years and they manage to create a wall of sound. An aggressive and extreme piece of music, with excellent guitar work and catchy riffs, but with a solid and heavy rhythm section as well. I think it is pretty much obvious that I liked the guys. They don’t try to break any new ground, but their death metal is well played and the majority of the songs in the album have the potential to become a death metal fan’s favorites. The production is also very good and it helps the band to create the sound they want. It manages to be aggressive and yet be clear enough as to bring all the small details to the surface.
Rating: 8/10 <<BACK
Metal Observer
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
NINNUAM is the signet name for the power of Marduk, the lord of all lords and
magician of all magicians from the Necronomicon. It is also the name of a new
Black Metal troop from Sweden. After the predecessing band yXa had split up,
they renamed themselves in NINNUAM. The demo “Scar Salvation” and
various sampler contributions followed and then they held a deal with the finnish
Low Frequency label in their hands.
The debut album contains Symphonic Black in the vein of DIMMU BORGIR/GRAVEWORM
that is full of ideas and should quite enchant fans of this category. The songs
are very well arranged, have a thick sound and blaze thorughly. You won’t
find really new ideas, but the band knows its business and would have been praised
relentlessly only a few years ago. I have to admit that the whole album is very
good and doesn’t contain any fillers. Give the samples a listen! (Online
September 22, 2004)
Rating: 7,5/10
Reviewed by: Ralf <<BACK
Global Domination
Ninnuam - Process of Life Separation
Never heard of Ninnuam? Me neither. Unless you have their previous demo recording,
or were lucky enough to catch them live in Europe, you are shit out of luck.
I have a feeling all that is going to change pretty soon.
Writing off Ninnuam as just another band in the ever popular black/death metal
genre is a mistake, a mistake I see a lot of the more fuckwitted reviewers and
press-people making in the near future. Like some sort of unholy shroud, Ninnuam
manage to weave together elements of just about every style of metal into a
single album, and they do it so damn well. Black metal sounding riffs blend
into a death metal style groove, blast beats evolve into an almost hardcore
breakdown type beat at it’s most intense. Ninnuam offers a little something
for everyone here. There are growls, screams, melody and brutality, and all
of it is done so very well.
One of the things that really stuck out to me while listening to "Process
of Life Separation" is the keyboard playing. Keyboardist Robban creates
a good amount of mood and atmosphere during much of the songs, but every now
and then steps out and really shines through the blasphemy the rest of the band
is spewing forth at the moment. It’s a fucken shame they don’t have
some better sounds on these keyboard parts, because the playing is something
I really liked. I have a feeling that Ninnuam maybe had some limits on the equipment
and production they used, to their credit, they did manage to use a lot of different
types of keyboard sounds, just none of them sounded really high quality to me.
This is a very minor complaint; honestly, I have a hard time finding anything
to complain about with this album. The production otherwise is pretty good,
and I’m glad the engineer or whoever mixed this remembered the bass guitar,
so often forgotten in metal of this style. The overall sound is a bit raw, but
it works well with this album.
For such a young band, Ninnuam have put together an album that a lot of long
running acts only dream of. "Process of Life Separation" is well written,
well executed, and well put together, especially for a debut full length. There
really isn’t any filler here, each track is a keeper.
Bottom line: "Process of Life Separation" is a good album with some
moments of greatness, but I think the best work from Ninnuam is yet to come,
so don’t take a less than stellar rating from me as a piss on the album.
This is one album worth checking out, if you can find it.
Rating 7,5 /10
Review by: Chazz <<BACK
Abrasive Rock
NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
I have gotten to the point in my year at Abrasive Rock that I am beginning to
hear the same thing over and over. It seems that every time that I reach the
point of total metal burnout, where I can’t take one more guttural stereotypical
death metal band or more br00tal than thou metal core band, there is something
that comes along that just blows me away like a midget on the wrong end of a
sawed off shotgun. Ninnuam is that band at the moment. I have actually had this
disc for a while and have been listening to it as much as humanly possible.
For all practical purposes, I would call Ninnuam a melodic black metal band
(think a less symphonic Dimmu Borgir) but they have plenty of Swedish death
metal influences to boot. They balance everything so perfectly that it is hard
to really pick out any specifics.
From what I can tell, this is the band’s debut album, which makes it all the more amazing. It’s been a long while since I’ve heard a full-length debut that has this much power and potential. Hell, this is the first time I’ve heard a debut that I can’t say, “well, it was pretty good but they really need to fix this”. This is damn near flawless.
Now, I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great Swedish death/melodic
black metal mix. However, if you are one of those assholes who can’t be
bothered with spending money, at least go to their site (click on the link above)
and download the samples they have available, and keep your eye on this band.
Ninnuam will become a force to be reckoned with for sure!
Reviewed by: Zach Palmer
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Ballbuster Hard Music
NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
Well this is not your run of the mill death metal band. Nor black metal.
The Swedish outfit, Ninnuam's sound is a brutal mixture of dark, death and black
metal. Not just from song to song, but within each track. Superbly done I might
add. Precise drum work and guitar riffs that give you the shivers. Great growling
and intense shrieking vocals. Haunting keyboards accompany each song. This is
done very well here as they are not over bearing to the overall sound.
Other bands of close distinction would have to be Dimmu Borgir, Twilight Ophera,
Royal Anguish. A very heavy release. This is all over the place great. Cool
inlet booklet as well. Ninnuam are a band that should not have to wait too long
for the success that awaits them. Highly recommended.
Reviewed by: John Haseltine
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NINNUAM - Process Of Life Separation
Ninnuam provides no new angle on death / black metal, no new standard of musicianship, and no great variety from song to song. But they do what they do very well! So if you’re a death metal / black metal fan, you’ll be happy to add this record to your collection.
Straddling that invisible line that divides death metal and black metal, these guys use the standard tools of their genre: A double-bass attack that is very well restrained in the mix and does not dominate. Very tight dual guitar work without the excessive distortion employed by other first-timers and beginners in extreme metal – their style is refreshing, with clean-guitar often layered over distorted-guitar, with the two trading riffs. Omnipresent keyboards that almost never come to the fore but add an important symphonic texture. Melody (yes, Virginia, there is a melody in death metal) and rhythm that other newbies to this genre ought to study and copy. There are no clean vocals, the growls are clear, the words almost audible, and in some sections the Swedish six-piece uses a duet of growlers for interesting effect.
The execution is excellent, production is exemplary, there are enough technical elements to call them (almost) progressive / death / black metal, and there are enough symphonic elements to keep your interest throughout. Along with the title track, cut #6 “Scar Salvation” is a standout piece employing standard death metal riffs and chord progressions, but introducing enough variety to make it one of the more interesting extreme metal pieces. It is thrash-heavy, then suddenly there’s a break with a soft, mellow keyboard-led section, dark, melodic and brooding, with whispered vocals – then we’re back to the standard fare. That soft break makes the whole piece far more menacing than the other tracks.
You get good death metal, and you get plenty of bad death metal. It is abundantly clear that this album comes from the right side of the tracks. It is very good, but would benefit from more innovation. But hell, it's only their debut, and with a bit more refinement these guys will come close to Dimmu Borghir, the black-metal gods after whom they have clearly styled their very brutal, yet very melodic hybrid of blackened death metal.
Reviewws by: Duncan Glenday
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Into Obscurity
Ninnuam - Process Of Life Separation
A little over a year ago, I was raving about this band's demo, "Scar Salvation".
I mentioned that they had gotten signed to Low Frequency Records, but I wasn't
aware that this label had US distribution. I can't say I'm disappointed because
"Process Of Life Separation", the new full length from these Swedes,
is about as promising a debut album as you're going to hear.
The members of Ninnuam come from diverse musical backgrounds and they all bring
that influence into the group. Because of this, Ninnuam run the gamut as far
as musical styles are concerned. One minute, you might be hearing the blasting
madness of black metal, while the next could be a breakdown ripped from any
metalcore band's record. The use of a keyboard brings to mind a band like Dimmu
Borgir, but during their early, less epic days... and this band are more fierce
and heavy than anything Dimmu Borgir have done. The keyboard never takes center
stage - this record, and its ferocity, are dictated entirely by the guitars.
The premise of this group is to not win you over with technicality, but to bowl
you over with brutality. Yet, as heavy as Ninnuam are, there's something about
their music that is so accessible.
One thing about Ninnuam that should appeal to all metalheads is their relentlessness.
You'll be hard-pressed to find a song that doesn't sting with vitriol. "Godhead"
is a furious blasting attack that pauses for just enough time to throw a catchy
melody and groove at you. "Scar Salvation", taken from the band's
demo, is a bit more melodic, while still showing some intensity. The album ends
on a more epic note with "Age Of Unknown". This song has a slow, plodding
feel to it. This may be the only time when the keyboard really comes to the
forefront, but it avoids cheesiness by remaining minimal.
I'm not sure if this band are going to get the full credit they deserve because
most metalheads seem to be more interested in what hasn't been done before than
a band who does things with extreme expertise. Admittedly, Ninnuam aren't forging
ahead into new realms of experimentalism, but they're extremely strong at what
they do - straightforward, accessible black / death metal.
Revieved by danowar <<BACK
Edge Magazine
Ninnuam - "Process Of Life Seperation" - Crash Music
By the cover alone I thought I was in for a gory, gothic sort or Death Metal
that was going to have me wanting to slit my wrists. I was dead (pardon the
pun) wrong! A very unexpected and catchy sort of Extreme Metal breed is what
I caught myself tapping my foot to and bopping my head right along with.
The vocals were the key difference, I think, because music that shreds like
this is usually accompanied by bone-rattling bile spewing from the singer's
bowels and exiting their throat. Not the case with Ninnuam. I can't even compare
them for the sake of review to any band I've ever heard before. This is simply
a case of something new that borrows from all that is old, but never copies
or emulates. It's a new breed of Metal that I think everyone needs to check
out.
Don't let the dark cover fool you, this is solid and very well-written Metal
that doesn't send you down into Hell on the first swoop, rather it lets you
decide which direction you feel like flying since it covers the whole gambit
while you sit and listen, spellbound by the talent that surrounds it.
A very highly recommended album for sure! Log onto http://www.crashmusicinc.com
and purchase a copy as soon as you can!!!
Reviewed by BamBam <<BACK
Scissors E-zine
Ninnuam - "Scar Salvation"
Selfrelease, 2002.
It really hard to find a good young band that is not only about playing shitty
stuff or copying certain bands. One of those rare bands is definitelyNinnuam,
swedish melodic-brutal black/death metal. Combination of black and death metal
is not something new, but in this case it's pretty good. On the other hand,
lots of bands are doing lots of demo recordings without luck of finding a proper
label. Ninnuam got interested Low Frequency Records with their quality music
and will soon enter a studio to record debut album. Band itself was formed back
in 2001. under the name of yXa. Some time they were playing without vocalist,
but soon getting one, and keyboard player as well. Their music goes more into
black metal, but still with a bit of death characteristics. At the same time
they have changed their name to Ninnuam.
Anyway, let's get back to this album... production is not so raw, like that's
case with most of the black metal bands. It's clear, but with powerful drums
produced in a death metal way. Guitars and keyboards are sounding more blackish.
This demo-album, "Scar Salvation" features four songs and about 15
minutes of music. It's not much, but I believe it's worth it to buy or at least
download this album (it's free, check out our mp3 archive). "Soul vs Soul",
the opening track sounds like Abigor vs Dimmu Borgir with a bit more of aggressive
playing. "Dark Visions" is pretty good one too, but it lacks of interesting
melodies. "Morbid Appealing" is one of the best songs on the album,
fast, brutal and it uses guitars as lead instruments. Keyboards are sounding
cool in background. Title track "Scar Salvation" is a grand finale,
with great keyboard playing in Abigor style, while vocals are growling.
If you like melodic black metal, give Ninnuam a chance, I think this band will
be a big name in the future.
8- out of 10 points (By Boris Todorovic)
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Lunar Hypnosis
Ninnuam - "Scar Salvation 2002"
Ninnuam is a young Swedish band playing a mix of brutal death metal with some
thrash influences plus the use of some keyboards to add a symphonic black metal
like feeling to the music. The music is for the most part very brutal with lots
of speedy guitar playing, and fast double bass on the drums, but there still
are some melodic parts, and there are some slow moments where you'll just hear
the keys and some whispers in the background. The vocals are death/thrash/blackish
sounding, and I must say they fit the music quite well. The only real problem
I have with this demo is the production. The keys, vocals, and drums are way
over produced, and the guitars are way under produced thus making them hard
to hear. Oh sure you can hear them if you really pay close attention, but most
people are not likely to do that. Luckily the sound is great, and is nice and
loud, and just explodes out of your speakers in a mad fury.
This band was first formed in the fall of 2001, and it’s only taken them about a year to create their first piece of dark demonic metal. Congrats the band is off to a great start so far! I'll be looking forward to hearing a future demo or album from this band. If your interested in a copy contact the band at info@ninnuam.com.
By Blackwinged 7 of 10 <<BACK
Myriad Of Peep-Holes
Ninnuam - "Scar Salvation"
Ninnuam from Katrineholm, Sweden, play a solid, symphonic blend of death and black metal, with some stains of thrash here and there. The keyboards are present most of the time, but without taking over. The keyboards are a little too simple to be interesting, but they make the overall sound seem much thicker. The guitar sound is great and the guitar-work is quite variated, at least the lead guitar. Unfortunately, the bass guitar drowns in the mix, as is often the case in this type of music. The vocals are screamy and aggressive, and there is an excessive use of multi-channel effects, which sometimes sounds cool but at other times may be a little too much. The general impression is that even if the production and mix isn't outstanding, it is still far better than that of the average demo recording. To give you some references, many passages make me think of Dimmu Borgir's "Puritanical...", although this demo never reaches the neck-breaking speed that Dimmu Borgir do. It also reminds a bit of Misteltein or possibly the early Emperor-albums, although no band in this genre can really be compared to Emperor's greatness. This is really nothing new, but it sounds really good. So if you have worn out your "In The Nightside Eclipse" or if you find Dimmu Borgir's latest record too trigged and sterile, then you should definately give Ninnuam a try.
REVIEWED BY Martin, 021219 <<BACK
Into Obscurity
Ninnuam - "Scar Salvation (demo)"
These Swedish death metallers aren't trying to recreate the wheel or put some
new twist on an already established genre. What they ARE doing, though, is playing
the style in a very solid manner. "Scar Salvation" is only four songs
long. This is sad because the songs are great and I'd like to hear even more
from them. The feelings I get from the material I've heard is that Ninnuam play
a potent style of extremely clean death metal. Now, for the twists. There is
a keyboard presence, although it is used only to accentuate certain parts, rather
than domineering the mix and being the center of the songwriting. It's used
quite effectively actually. The other part is that there is a lot of groove
in the music. If I had to compare them, I'd make the comparison to The Year
Of Our Lord, or maybe "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" era Dimmu Borgir
if you removed the keyboard dominance and replaced it with even chunkier guitars.
For a demo disc, this thing sounds like a million bucks, which is refreshing.
I can hear influences in Ninnuam's sound, but I can't outright name another
band that they sound similar to. That's a good thing. They recently signed on
with Low Frequency Records, so the metal community will get the chance to hear
some material from these Swedes. In the meantime, check out their official website
and download every track from their demo.
Reviewed by danowar <<BACK
Pull the Chain Magazine
NINNUAM - "Scar Salvation 2002"
Not knowing anything about this Swedish outfit, I just expected another good
death black metal music… and waouw ! ! ! «Scar Salvation»
is indeed another black death metal combination but from a very high quality.
Quite frankly, this is one of the most astounding demo I’ve heard in many
months. Ninnuam is a fantastic feast of melodic violent death / black metal.
The song writing of those Swedish musicians is top class and each of the four
songs of «Scar Salvation» is a real killer. For my opinion the best
thing on this demo must be the symbiosis between ultra speed guitar reversed
riff schemes and symphonic keyboards background. This is thus very melodic but
still very violent and brutal as well. I also really liked the shouting growled
vocal work that nicely compliments the band’s musical direction. The quality
of music on this «Scar Salvation» is certainly up there with the
likes of Old Man’s Child and Dimmu Borgir. The production isn’t
perfect but nothing disturbing enough to prevent you from discovering this act
with the utmost urgency.
Reviewed by Georges <<BACK