Band:	Netherbird
Album:	Into The Vast Uncharted
Style:	Melodic black metal
Release date:	September 27, 2019
A review by:	Troy Killjoy

01. Saturnine Ancestry
02. Harvest The Stars
03. Mercury Skies
04. Lunar Pendulum
05. Eventide Evangel
06. The Obsidian White
07. Nexus Of Unlight

An accurately self-described formidable force, these serious Swedes have released what is likely the most rounded, intricate extreme metal album of the year.

It may have taken several lineup and label changes over their 15 year existence, but the stars have finally aligned for Netherbird to drop what can only be described as a modern day masterpiece within the genre. Unlike previous releases, which were guilty of either overstaying their welcome or failing to expand on some interesting ideas, Into the Vast Uncharted is tight, concise, and filled with remarkable guitar work.

Building on their relentless Dissection worship, Netherbird manage to capture the gloomy atmosphere of any doom metal heavyweight that comes to mind, without sacrificing any of its commanding raw aggression. The songs are carefully woven so as not to detract too much from any one side of the spectrum too much, instead living dangerously in the middle, encapsulated by magnificent guitar harmonics and mesmerizing solos. Similar to their aforementioned countrymen, pulling from both the black and death metal pages of influence makes for a wider selection of inspiration, which only helps in the songwriting department. It's a legitimate buffet of delicious riffs, and repeat trips back to the serving tables comes highly recommended in order to achieve a proper sense of indulgence. There's more than enough to go around for even the most gluttonous among us.

Because the music is draped in a cover of brooding darkness, the intensive rhythmic portion conveys a far more sobering, deliberate message compared to some of the over-the-top gimmicky projects out there. Even though at times it feels like you're being taken on a power metal journey through the skies with how epic these screaming guitars are immediately upon being unleashed, the frequent pace changes and sense of poignancy keep the listener grounded in this captivating experience, luring you in a little deeper every time with its impressive array of melodies and harrowing undertones. Similar to when Deicide recruited the legendary Ralph Santolla for The Stench of Redemption, this album benefits immensely from its guitar-centric focus and as a result, engages its audience on a level never before seen during their lengthy time as a band.

It's safe to say every aspect of the musicianship is on point, with former Amon Amarth drummer Fredrik Andersson providing his characteristic weight behind the kit, and founding member Johan "Nephente" Fridell churning out another excellent vocal performance. Between his monstrous depth and pitched growls, combined with the top-notch musicianship from the rest of the band, not only is this album outstanding in its technicality and design, but for the performances on display. It's rare any time a band can make all the pieces of the puzzle fit, sometimes not even realizing what pieces are available to use, but with Into the Vast Uncharted, Netherbird have quite simply struck gold and crafted one of the year's most rewarding listens. Major props to Pontus "Bizmark" Andersson and his tireless attention to detail when it comes to songwriting. It all finally came together.