Search - Nicodemus :: The Supernatural Omnibus

Great dark prog metal!

Marco Estrada | Mexico City, Mexico | 06/02/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of the USA based band Nicodemus when I saw a shirt at a Dies Irea concert. The imagery was amazing and the name stuck in my head. I bought the album (available in Mexico through OZ Productions) and was immediately hooked on the strange new wave black metal sound that was so original. I then discovered that the band had been around for a while and had released a second album, "The Supernatural Omnibus" (again with amazing imagery) on the Dark Symphonies label. The originality continues on this CD with a more melodic approach and more focused songwriting. The CD offers a wide array of metal and should appeal to a broad fan base. Traditional metal as in the DIO style verse of "Something in the Walls" and the NIghtwish inspired instrumental "The Lazarus Syndrome", give some songs an anthem like quality. Others like the infectious "Within the Glow of Embers" feature synth pop hooks but with a dark edge that no one else has really been able to accomplish. The lyrics are amazing, the guitar work solid and inspiring, and the drums forceful and tasteful at the same time. The musicianship in this band is more than obvious. But unlike other progressive outfits like Dream Theatre, they do not numb you with hundreds of notes. Instead they seem prog more in the ways of RUSH or YES. Imagine the progressive methods of RUSH mixed with the heavy darkness of Dimmu Borgir. Central figure Christopher Morris (vocals, bass, and keys...damn) sings well but his voice sometimes gets buried and seems to want to just let loose. The presence of female vocalist Tamar Yvonne is nice as a diversion, but the band moved on without a female voice after the recording and its not hard to see why. Only the gorgeous song "Harlot" brings out Tamar's talent, as the rest of her participation seems forced and is relegated to the background. Of course being a band on a small US label the production is average. Those small flaws aside "The Supernatural Omnibus" is an innovative dark progressive romp through various styles of metal. Well worth your time to pick up. The band is recording their third album now.8.5/10"

Run-of-the-mill goth-metal crap.

Agent 666 | New England, USA | 05/05/2004

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I'm totally against dissing musicians or other artists for their work, because really, who can objectify and judge art? However, read any interview with this band's "frontman" and see what a huge prick he presents himself as, and then feel justified slamming this album because it's horrible. Think of every clichéd, done-over, unoriginal, inept and craftless version of goth-metal you'd think was a joke when you heard it, combine them and you have The Supernatural Omnibus from soup to nuts. What makes it even worse is that the band's leader, Christopher Morris, thinks that this music is some sort of beacon of hope for the musically disillusioned... however, Nicodemus and Christopher Morris are probably THE BEST example of 'musicians' who are contributing to the problem rather than helping to solve it. This album pollutes the underground and taints the name of metal. Way to go, Nicodemus."

NICODEMUS, A STUDY OF THE DARKSIDE

Mr D. | Cave Creek, Az United States | 06/09/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Beware this music is certainly addictive. This kalidioscope of sounds defies a simple description - one listen is worth a thousand words - but I will try. prepare yourself for a unique experience as this music seems to be a hybrid of heavy metal sub-genres, combining rhythmic drums and black / Death Metal with Gothic, Doom, Darkwave, with undertones of progressive and electronic metal, weaving a captivating tapestry of sounds that are a real pleasure to experience. When I say that they combine Gothic Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal and more in their sound, you might think it strange, but I'm not exaggerating, that pretty much sums up what they do and they invent a sound that you definitely can call unique in itself, with both clean and gruff male vocals and also an angelic female voice to complement it. The lyrics are very poetic and well written. That it takes a while before you start to feel the essence of the music, is a given. At times the music reminds me of Samael's latest endeavors but it has more variety. The erotic, somewhat pornographic album cover on their debut album has been replaced a pretty, somewhat mundane cover, apparently no longer feeling the need to shock customers. Both albums are similar inside, exhibiting a sensual plethora of sounds which makes one want to increase the volume in order to immerse oneself in this contagious music. Here is a brief description of these, most interesting, musical tracks contained within:
"Something in the Walls"; Fast tempo with bells, guitars, heavy drums and growling vox - nothing special.
"Nightfall bears my Burden; Another fast paced piece with slower portions featuring a piano intro and heavy guitars and background violins backing up singing which changes from clean male vox to growls to female and back - better than average.
"Afterglow"; Starts with slower tempo with light guitars and violins, eventually picking up with heavy guitars and pronounced percussion - good song
"Harlot"; Ethereal sound with piano acommpanying clean male/female singing, leading to an increased pace with guitars, drums and gruff vocals - excellent song.
"Of Pride & Necessity"; A brief soft instrumental intro to the subsequent track - good.
"The Lazarus Syndrome"; A nice instrumental featuring all the instruments previously mentioned, medium fast tempo - very good.
"Within the Glow of Embers"; Best and most interesting track. "Then through her romantic sorrow / rush a will of steel relent / To a vision held of a perfect coil / and heart downtrodden" This two minute plus electronic/techno intro leads to an explosion of engaging sounds mixed a spoken narrative and varied vocals - exceptional.
"Deepening"; A more darkwave version of seemingly the same melody as in the previous song - exceptional.
"Shards of a Bitter Night Wept"; A little conventional heavy metal sound with spoken and growling interludes - very good song.
"Benedetto Sia"; An atmospheric piece with the sound of waves and seagulls in the background while acoustic guitars accompany lovely female lead singing - very good. While listening to this music one would think they are listening to a very good up and coming band similar to the some of the European metal masters such as Samael, Tiamat, Golden Dawn or Opeth. Surprisingly, Nicodemus is not from Europe but California. Please give this cd at least a couple of turns before passing judgement, as the music seems to need to grow on the listener. This album is highly recommended!"