Naer Mataron - "Skotos Aenaon"

River at Dash Scalding is the latest offering  from a greek trio, which is in the same sphere as Mayhem and Bathory but with a very personal touch. From the outside there isn't much of a difference between Naer Mataron and other bands in the same genre, but the lyrics are from a different background. Some bands are a little more occult with lyrics filled with demons and lost souls. That is not a nice place to be and Naer Mataron is almost as far away as you can get. Don't be mistaken though, the attitude is the same and there isn't much of a difference in stage props or the general sound. Unlike everyone else Naer Mataron take their inspiration from Greek mythology - a very different world.

The music is fast, intense, sharp and thundering, like previous releases. Nothing's new this time around. But I don't think it's really necessary. Naer Mataron is following the right path and the music is not put together backwards, so why chose something else unless you're not satisfied with the result.

Naer Mataron has been through the usual changes in the lineup and since the last album Skotos Aenaon (Which also was reviewed here at Metal Coven) they have gotten a new drummer. His name is Warhead and is one of the fastes I've heard in a while. Other than that they sound like themselves with a few new melodic bridges thrown in here and there. Not anything which slows them down, but it takes the top 15% off your pulse. I'll admit the speed is very fast in certain places, specially the drums but they not playing doom.

All in all River at Dash Scalding is a good album, nothing new or experimenting but the level is still so high that I'll have no problems giving it thumbs up.

River at Dash Scalding not only has a number of Naer Mataron own tracks but also a copy of The plunderer which orginally was recorded by Ved Buens Ende on the album Those who caress the Pale.

More info on Naer Mataron at www.naermataron.cjb.net or http://stagyro.phpwebhosting.com/hosted/metal/lotus/blrfram.htm

"Skotos Aenaon" has beel released by Black Lotus Records with the following tracks: