In case you want some additional information about this solo-outfit of NitroAtmosphericum’s label owner SiN, I’d like to refer to the reviews I did for Wyrm Of Melancholy and Atenvx, on November 11th 2014 and December 1st 2014 respectively.
This second part of the Nekrocosmo-saga (the first part, Nekrocosmo: Demiurge, was written and updated by undersigned on December 24th 2014) gets released by Symbol Of Domination Productions, some kind of sub-division of Satanath Records, in co-operation with Metallic Media, who did some Astarium-releases before (like the ones I mentioned in the first paragraph of this review). Once again it was recorded and mixed at SiN’s SH Studio from May to October 2014.
As from opener Lyrian Selection, it’s clear that Astarium did progress a lot in comparison to Nekrocosmo: Demiurge, no matter whether the listener adores this fact, or does not. It’s more like the earlier works, the way this whole experience goes on. The main structures are built on rhythmic and, evidently, pounding melodies, supported by lots of keyboard lines and quite a diverse vocal range, including deep-guttural (quasi-narrative) growls, up to high-pitched screams. The instrumental aspect includes, besides the low-tuned rhythm section and main keyboards, some fierce trem leads and fiery solos. Okay, this might not immediately refer to such ‘progression’ as I did refer to, but this new part of the Nekrocosmo-saga is less ambient and more metalized than the first one. It rather reminds me to the era Dethroned Of Impostor / Wyrm Of Melancholy, but then again: doesn’t this define the coherent craftsmanship of SiN? A constant continuation yet with a permanent re-enacting to the roots; it’s something that creates identity.
But I am afraid I need to make a side-note too, and that has to do with hunger. I had quite an appetite when I started listening to this album for the first time, but in mean time, after four listens, I am still hungry. Nekrocosmo: Nocturnal Kali Yuga does not totally fulfil my personal needs. It is not easy to explain why, but it has to do with, well, the fact that most former efforts were much more impressive. With exception of some parts, I have the idea that this new saga was recorded too soon after the former one; read: a couple of months in addition might have upgraded this stuff. Maybe, probably, who knows. But no, I am not about to deny the subtlety of Astarium’s essence, because the result still stands like an erected fist in the *** of ***.
My personal conclusion (do forgive me if you do not agree, or better: do forgive me the fact that I do not care about agreeing or not; or just: don’t forgive me, this is my review and therefor it is my opinion): once again Astarium bring something that trespasses narrow-minded limitations, and that’s just fine. But at the same time I think that the past came up with better expressions of that sonic play.