“As the rational mind & willpower fail, a spiritual quest begins.”
Nonsun are a currently obscure but extremely talented instrumental band who play a blend of post, sludge, and doom metal. They present their second full length, the relentlessly dark Blood & Spirit, on which the band finds immense joy in crafting lengthy songs, indulging in ichoric caverns of drone, and divining satisfying, sludgy grooves. Throughout, the band’s performances have a down-to-earth, austere quality. Gentler passages are sporadic and serve to make the intense moments even more so.
On Blood & Spirit, Nonsun always feel like they are doing more than one thing at a time. Where other instrumental bands in the same vein might rely heavily on their riffing, Nonsun supplement their own sludgy, thunderous riffs with chaotic textures in the high register. These could be curtains of drone, lead guitars, or even hints of harsh vocals. “Guilt, Disgust, Disaster” includes saxophone and strings at its midpoint, turning its post metal voyage into a somehow more upbeat adventure (you just can’t make saxophone sound evil). Throughout the record, these embellishments are carefully mixed, so that the full force and clarity of the rhythm section is maintained.
The record provides listeners with a monumental challenge, as it is mostly composed of ten to twelve minute epics lacking in catchy melodies. The shortest (7 minute) track, “That Which Does Not Kill”, is perhaps most immediate, closing out the record in their doomiest stride. On the longer tracks like “In Your Eyes I’m A Cripple”, Nonsun provide a delight for those searching for non-traditional song structure and arrangement. Much of the time, the band are in a state between interlude and beatdown, where they are operating at full intensity – multiple guitars, unusual drum rhythms, and thrumming bass – but it is as if they are continually hesitating at the point of coalescence. What results are instrumental songs that maintain tension, carefully constructing and collapsing themselves. This charmingly subverts the listener’s expectation for straightforward crescendos.
Blood & Spirit is a release not to be missed by those looking for a thunderous display of instrumental prowess. Nonsun are based in Ukraine and appeal, via their Bandcamp page, for donations to support their country through the ongoing crisis. Their label dunk!records are donating their profits going towards this cause. Here’s to the band for inspiring us to grit teeth against all the elements and come out smiling.
8/10