Nailblack – Envied

Band – Nailblack

Album – Envied

Country of Origin – USA

Genre – Black Metal

Release Date – September 29th, 2017

Label – Redefining Darkness Records

Author – Hayduke X

Do you remember those early days of black metal before it became fully defined as a distinct musical style? In those days, being satanic was enough to get you labeled black metal. Thus, bands as far ranging as Slayer, Venom, and Mayhem (among others, of course) earned the label of black metal. Nailblack, formed in Ohio in 1997, remembers those early days. Though they formed well after the black metal sound had become strictly codified by the second wave bands, they take much from the earlier, first wave bands. There is more Venom influence than Emperor, more Bathory than Burzum, and that’s alright with this writer.

Nailblack are nearly an urban myth. They are apparently a duo made up of Malum and Rob Void, who played from 1997 to 2002, took an undefined hiatus, started back up at some point, and are now releasing their debut full length, with only a 2001 demo and 2016 lead single to back them up. Based on that history, you might question what they actually sound like. You’ll be happy to hear that Envied is a maelstrom of raw, thrash-y, punkish goodness. There is a ton of hardcore punk influence infused in this nightmare mess. Production is allowed some rough edges. Drums certainly blast, but they also hammer out some punk rock rhythms as needed. The riffs owe more to the thrashiness of the first wave than the second wave focus on tremolo picking. There are actual bass lines, giving the album a meaty foundation upon which to rest its evil.

I guess when it comes down to it, the leather and bullet belts are probably optional. Not optional, however, it the fist pumping, headbanging, and requisite skull (style of your choice) on the concert tee. Black is preferred, but blood red will also suffice. Nailblack approach evil in a manner so old school that Immortal could have developed from them.

Recommendation:  Who knew Ohio could represent old-school evil so well.

Rating:  4/5