A Nøkk is a creature from Germanic mythology and folklore: a treacherous, shape-shifting water spirit that lures unsuspecting travelers into the depths. It may appear as a horse, a child, or an irresistibly handsome man, but the outcome is always the same, those who answer its call are dragged beneath the surface and drowned.
Under the same name operates Nøkk, a Black Metal duo from Colombo, Ohio, founded four years ago. In that relatively short span of time, they have released an EP and now present their first full-length record.
As is often the case with duos in this genre, two people were not enough to fully realize their vision in the studio. A roster of session musicians was therefore enlisted to record the album. I won’t introduce them all individually here, what matters is that their contributions lift Nøkk’s sound to a higher level. The core of the project remains firmly in the hands of the two permanent members, who clearly know the sonic and thematic path they wish to pursue.
Musically, Nøkk draws heavily from the Scandinavian sound of the ’90s, embracing all its raw, cold and uncompromising characteristics. At the same time, the American side of the Black Metal spectrum is unmistakably present: a certain adventurous ferocity, a more open production style, and a layer of atmospheric tension that broadens their sound without undermining its essence.
The production is clear and transparent, inevitably shaving off some of the genre’s traditional rawness. Yet despite , or perhaps because of, this approach, these Americans still manage to make a compelling impression. The songs retain plenty of intensity and character, and the combination of tight execution and atmospheric nuance ensures that the album lingers.
I’m curious to see what the coming years will bring for this band, there is clear progression here.
85/100
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