The Catalan entity Nagyszeben came into existence in 2020 in Barcelona and stands as a welcome exception to the omnipresent one-man project. This is a fully fledged band, consisting of seasoned musicians who previously made their mark in acts such as Blood Ecstasy, Decapitated Christ, and Arkhaeth.
In December, they unveiled a new EP, a release that did not go unnoticed within the underground. Lucifogo Records handled a carefully crafted edition on heavy, round 12-inch vinyl, while Death Revelation also released the EP on cassette, very much in the spirit of the old cult.
With a running time of nearly thirty minutes, this release already borders on the scope of a full-length album. An additional eight-minute track could easily have tipped the balance, but the band deliberately opted for the EP format—a decision that in no way diminishes the overall impact.
On the contrary, the tone is set immediately with an opening track nearing fifteen minutesthat never loses its grip. The subtle yet effective use of keyboards pulls the material slightly deeper into occult territory, without tempering its aggression or intensity. At that point alone, the release already felt like a success.
The layering of guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards is particularly well executed: each element is given ample space and positioned thoughtfully within the mix. The result is a tight and professional sound, retaining its raw edge while resonating with considerable depth and atmosphere, allowing the compositions to fully breathe.
This comes together most convincingly in the mid-section of Dark Kiss of Damnation, where composition, layering, and atmosphere align perfectly. It is here that the band’s strength in building and sustaining tension becomes most apparent, making this track an absolute must-listen of the EP.
This release proves that Nagyszeben is far more than a promising side project; it is a band with vision, experience, and a clearly defined identity. A highly successful EP that not only leaves you wanting more, but also sets expectations. Hopefully, 2026 will finally see the arrival of a full-length album, where these ideas can be explored and refined even further.
85/100
Nagyszeben:
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