None – None (2017)

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, today we have None and their bone chilling self-titled debut release. Set to be released on Hypnotic Dirge Records, this Canadian label has managed to uncover one of the most atmospherically rich Black Metal outfits to ever come out of the USA. Featuring around 30 minutes of music, this release concocts long song filled with brutality and beauty. With similar influences to Cascadian BM bands, this one band you want to keep an eye out for.

Opening with the devastating “Cold”, the band instantly sets a very immersive mood filled with powerful riffs, hypnotic keyboard arrangements, and gut-wrenching vocals. Reminding us of outfits like Wolves in the Throne Room, this track creates a dense atmosphere that immerses the listener into the band’s punishing melancholic world.

The band’s onslaught continues with the eerie atmospheric elements of “Wither”. Labeling it’s members as voice and instrument, the band’s persona is highly mysterious (you can’t find much online) adding to the overall experience delivered by their music. In this track we also get some mournful vocals that contrast the more typical BM shriek, creating an even creepier listening experience.

Closing with the slow tempo of “Suffer”, the band manages to deliver an even more painful and demoralizing experience thanks to slower pace and more atmospheric wizardry. Overall, we are amazed at None’s ability to craft methodically soul crushing tracks filled with heavy riffs and atmospheric brilliance. If you think you have heard all possible variants of DSBM or Atmospheric BM, you should definitely listen to this one. This self-titled release is totally recommended for fans of DSBM, Cascadian BM, and really any heavily atmospheric genre.

Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records

Release: April 11th, 2017

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: USA