Album Review: Nusquama – Horizon Ontheemt (Eisenwald/Haeresis Noviomagi)

A new apparition on the firmament of Dutch black metal, the quintet of Nusquama offers a clear and purposeful performance on their first effort. The band’s name is derived from Latin and was initially used by Thomas More to refer to the necessity and impossibility of a hopeful alternative. Further thematic inspiration is drawn from the pre-romantic poetry of Elizabeth Maria Post.

Horizon Ontheemt will be released by Eisenwald on LP and digipack CD editions on March 22nd 2019, with a pro-tape cassette edition coming out through Haeresis Noviomagi.

Atmospheric black metal is the name of the game here as Nusquama deliver a vitriolic performance that alternates between hateful heaviness, driven rage and wild despair. The end result is 6 tracks of crushing black metal but with feeling. There’s no ignoring the power within this band but it’s the emotional moments, passages and more that really stand out.

From opening track De Aarde Dorst’s pained vocal performance and raw gracefulness to Wrevel’s head-busting heaviness and intriguing chanting to Vuurslag’s epic black metal rhythm. The latter part of the track is simply amazing.

The first half of Horizon Ontheemt is exceptionally well put together. It immediately captures the imagination and while it holds you down and pummels with its sheer brutality, it’s quick to offer comfort afterwards.

Such comfort can be found in Eufrozyne. After an initial battering of pure evil, like the passing of a storm peacefulness is achieved. However peace never lasts and the furious fire returns and builds into Ontheemd, albeit with a bit more restraint.

Nusquama – Horizon Ontheemt Full Track Listing:

1. De Aarde Dorst
2. Wrevel
3. Vuurslag
4. Eufrozyne
5. Ontheemd
6. Met Gif Doordrenkt

The album can be ordered now via Bandcamp and via Eisenwald here.