
After Felled, this is another beautiful US-based atmospheric black metal band on our label putting out their debut full length. Noltem however eschew violins and viola and delve into lush, poignant and immersive atmospheric black metal that will make you lose your grip on reality – it will transport you to a different realm far removed from the urban environment or so it would seem. Two of the songs are streaming currently on Bandcamp HERE. Please check them out! This is a gem of a release from members of Marsh Dweller, Pyrithe, Seidr and features guest solos from members of Falls of Rauros, Nechochwen and more!
Noltem (US) – Illusions In The Awake (Atmospheric Black Metal)
Genre – Atmospheric Black Metal
Release Date – October 10th, 2021
Record Label – Transcending Obscurity Records
For fans of – Agalloch, Saor, Felled, Panopticon, Falls of Rauros, Nechochwen
On only their debut full length, US band Noltem have crafted an album with astonishing maturity and emotional depth. Their brand of atmospheric black metal is virtually flawless, blending all the elements that make this style of music work. It’s got perfectly tempered music, melodies that greatly enhance the expression of the inherently black metal riffing, elegant acoustic passages, tasteful keyboard sections, soaring guitar solos, vocals that go hand-in-hand with the plaintive music and much more. The song-structuring is akin to the retelling of someone’s heartfelt life story – it’s multi-faceted, encompassing countless myriad emotions, and immaculately put together as if the outcome was predetermined and executed to perfection. The 40-min album gets over before you even realize it, but that’s because it’s way too easy to get absolutely immersed in its beauty and lose track of reality. Albums like these don’t come by very often, and Noltem have just concocted a masterpiece here.
Line up –
Max Johnson – Acoustic and electric guitar, keyboards, lyrics
John Kerr (Marsh Dweller, Pyrithe, Seidr) – Drums, vocals, keyboards, guitars
Shalin Shah (Protolith) – Bass guitar
Artwork by Anthony Hurd
Guest solos –
Zach Miller (Pyrithe)
Jordan Guerette (Falls of Rauros)
Aaron Carey (Nechochwen)
Mixed and mastered by Spenser Morris (Saor, Panopticon, Vukari)
Track listing –
1. Figment
2. Illusions in the Wake
3. Beneath the Dreaming Blue
4. Submerged
5. Ruse
6. On Shores of Glass