Band:	Njiqahdda
Album:	The Hanging Tree
Style:	Atmospheric black metal, Psychedelic rock
Release date:	February 07, 2014
Guest review by:	Alex F

01. The Hanging Tree
02. Hangman's Hymn

To say that Njiqahdda have released a lot of albums would be an egregious understatement. The band has put out so much music, you begin to wonder how they make a living, as it certainly is not off of their recordings. Listening through much of their discography, it becomes quite clear how they manage to spew such a quantity of releases: they record every uninspired note that passes through their heads. The Hanging Tree is an excessively monotonous recording of stale black metal with little to be proud of.

The EP consists of two songs, both completely devoid of originality or engrossing content, so much so that the ennui becomes nearly palpable. Despite this, Njiqahdda felt it necessary to draw out the riffs and drones for a few minutes each, creating songs with respective lengths of 17 and 15 minutes. At a certain point in the first song you begin to wonder if this is meant to be a coherent recording or simply a collection of riffs with the same tempo and drumming to accompany. Regardless of the intent, The Hanging Tree provokes a strong sense of weariness.

The second track is a completely pointless recording, and seems to be an attempt at a haunting ambient experience, but comes across as repetitive and bland noise. It shows some potential, but ultimately fails to accomplish anything, as feedbacking guitars loop in the background aimlessly for 15 minutes until they finally fade away.

The vocals are of at least some quality: buried in the waves of pointless riffs, seemingly crying out for an end to the insufferable instrumentation. The vocalist utilizes a desperate wail, allowing each line to ring out to his last breath. This, coupled with the monotony, creates a very desperate atmosphere, which I actually find quite appealing. However these qualities are ultimately dragged down by the production, which lacks any sort of thought beyond the vocal placement. Everything seems to be on the same level, absent of any sort of unique or interesting layers. By failing to achieve even a remotely special production, any raw edge or personal attitude the EP may have had is lost upon the listener.

In the end, The Hanging Tree is just one speck of sand in the world of Njiqahdda. Having released such quality albums as Yrg Alms, this is not even remotely worth your time.