Album Review: STÖMB – From Nihil
Paris’ progressive metal four-piece Stömb assault listeners’ ears with highly energetic bursts of intense dynamics on their sophomore album From Nihil. Colorful and wondrously complex, From Nihil is an exceptional collection of hyperactive progressive metal and noisy flights of fancy, with momentous musicianship infectious hooks scattered throughout. This release is adventurous, imaginative, and surprising. In fact, it’s one of the most fearless and unique instrumental releases I’ve heard for quite some time.
The opening “Dimension Zero” kickstarts the album like an auditory coma. On “Extrasensory,” the music jolts with a start/stop frenzy that’s too tremendous to ignore. Guitarists Aurelien De Freitas and Tom Bonetto provide impassioned melodies for each wildly creative rhythmic shift, which vary between hectic, tranquil, and atmospheric. Best of all, this song proves to be one of the most inventive and unforeseen tracks you could bump into. The psyched-out electronica elements are seductive, and the instrumentation on this tune veers more towards psychedelic swing than anything progressive. It bleeds into the equally exciting “Ephemeral” and its follow-up “The Hologram,” making for completely unexpected stylistic shifts. “Embrace the Nihil” is luscious, multifarious, and wholly confident. This awe-inspiring balance brings a high level of unpredictability to the album. There is always light at the end of the tunnel, but even when the light seems to dominate the picture, there is always a skulking shadow. Right from the very beginning of this recording, the listener is immersed in the waters of instability, given that any moment of gentleness could give way to demonic outbursts and that any stretch of brutality could transform without warning to understated consolation. “The Threshold” opens with an uncanny ambience that is rigidly nudged by a bones-shattering guitars. As the tension builds, the listener knows that collapse is imminent, but it is difficult to pinpoint when or how it will happen. Once the pummeling riff breaks down the door, the intensity reaches an apex of anxiety and angst. Most of these songs unfold over relatively long lengths, during which Stömb’s music drifts between clashing emotions of anger and sadness.
On this engrossing concept album, Stömb allow passion to guide their musical progression. Finding the charm buried within dour soundscapes, the band evoke imagery that is both poignant and indelible. Through and through, the album’s scale is nothing short of breathtaking.
From Nihil is out now; stream/download or buy one of the bundles from Bandcamp. Follow Stömb on Facebook.
From Nihil track listing:
1. Dimension Zero
2. Void Divine
3. Extrasensory
4. Ephemeral
5. The Hologram
6. Embrace the Nihil
7. The Threshold
8. Final Transmission
9. Through the Cosmic Depth
10. Towards Deliverance (feat. Pierre Danel)
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