March 13, 2010

Reviewer: Peter

It seemed like only yesterday that the talented guitarist known as Nechochwen was soothing the souls of people who listened to Algonkian Mythos with his take on Native American folk sounds.  Okay, so it was 2008, but given that the album is still in heavy rotation, it should come as no surprise that an upstart record label like Bindrune Recordings takes notice.  With a new album in Azimuths to the Otherworld and a chance to reach a wider audience, Nechochwen does not disappoint.

Like the previous album Algonkian Mythos, there is a story behind Azimuths to the Otherworld. In the case of this album, it covers the world of the Adena and Hopewell people that dwelled in the Ohio River Valley nearly two millennia ago.  Combine that with Nechochwen’s Native American folk influences and the influences from his former band Angelrust and the results are as astounding as they are captivating.  For starters, there is more of a metal music element on the album that will throw off people who are familiar with Algonkian Mythos unless they are also familiar with Nechochwen’s previous work in Angelrust.  That element adds a new dimension to the story that he conveys on the album, as well as the sound that he has seemingly perfected.  There are also vocals, which give a clear reminder of Nechochwen’s metal influences.  They aren’t always on display, but when they are, they are done in a manner that accurately reflects a particular chapter in the story, as evidenced on “Allumahammochwen: The Crossing” and “At Night May I Roam.”  For the most part though, the star of Azimuths to the Otherworld is the stellar acoustic guitar work of Nechochwen, which is just as good as the work on Algonkian Mythos, if not better, as “Graves of Grandeur” shows.  The track “Four Effigies” features four parts to the song, with “The Turtle Effigy”, “The Adena Pipe”, “ Amanita Mushroom Wand”, and “Weeping Eye” comprising the track, and is by far, the best track on the album and embodies everything Azimuths to the Otherworld sets out to accomplish.

Nechochwen made his introduction in 2008 with the release of Algonkian Mythos and an acoustic set during Heathen Crusade 3.  Although only a handful of people got to experience either, it was enough for those who did to expect bigger things.  Now, with a new record label and higher expectations, Nechochwen has met those expectations with Azimuths to the Otherworld.  About as perfect as an album can be in every sense of the word, there is something for everyone, whether it be the soothing acoustic sounds of Native American folk, the organic metal sound that carried over from his Angelrust days, or just a strong sense of storytelling.  It’s early in the year, but anything short of a top-ten mention at the end of the year would be a major upset.

Release Date: February 27th, 2010
Label: Bindrune Recordings

TRACK LISTING

1. Allumhammochwen -
    The Crossing
2. At Night May I Roam
3. Gissis Mikana
4. Red Ocher
5. The Eyes of the Mesingw
6. Charnel House
7. Graves of Grandeur
8. Confluence
9. Noameatha, You are the
    Ghost in the Water
10. The Forgotten Death Ritual
11. Hunting Among the Stars
12. Four Effigies
13. Azimuths to the Otherworld
14. Graves of Grandeur (Reprise)

Total playing time:  59:44

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Nechochwen - Azimuths to the Otherworld