So here we are with another new explosive release from the Turkish horde. Nihil Kaos are back, well, not that they were ever truly gone, but the last full-length was in 2015. They are a band that shares some members with Pesecutory, Inhuman Depravity, among others. Also of note, original member Eligos K.H.S., who started the group as far back as 2003, ensures a bit of longevity here.
I remember having acquired ‘KaΏsatan’ back when it was originally released (2010), I was for the most part pleased but not blown away. Due to various circumstances in my life, the band has always been on my radar, but it wasn’t till this release that it quite simply made me stand up and take notice.
First off, I am a huge fan of the new logo. Much more distinctive than the scribble of sorts that was used in the early days. Besides sharing some members and having a slightly similar sound to Persucutory, Nihil Kaos has a more prominent 2nd wave of Black Metal approach. There is an overall darkness and an underlying evil quality to the music, and it shows mainly through the vocals of Tiepsh. He offers a varied and dynamic performance.
The music has a whole has much of the elements similar to the current output of Merrimack and their own vocalist Vestal. I know most (not all) the bands from the Turkish scene, for the most part have a varied songwriting dynamic, and at times it’s a bit hard to nail them down to just one genre, but with Nihil Kaos, they offer probably the most straight line to what you call typical Black Metal.
Of note also are the 2 semi-instrumental tracks (‘Synthamata: In Idolatry’s Echo’ and ‘A Hymn to Mass Graves’) offer a bit of variation as well. The vocals are sort of spoken and chanted in different ways, so they offer a slightly chilling aura to the overall aspects of both tracks. Production is on point, and with much of the spotlight on vocals and also drummer Nore, who puts forth a ripping performance.
So if you are a fan of Merrimack, Seth, and maybe a lesser eccentric version of early Deathspell Omega, it would not behoove you to take a look at these guys.
