NNGNN – Forceful Blasphemy (Eldritch Lunar Miasma Records. 2016).

NNGNN – Forceful Blasphemy (Eldritch Lunar Miasma Records. 2016).

Since their debut EP, Death by the Venomhammer, NNGNN have undergone various line-up changes and even a change in name. However, stylistically there is not necessarily a major difference in their brand of Black Thrash between their first EP and Forceful Blasphemy, however the latest release does admittedly as if the band are more confident in their style and somewhat less cliché than their debut (even though it was a great debut EP). The first song, Forceful Blasphemy, comes roaring in with a destructive first riff, before switching to a more Celtic Frost infused muscular riff, brimming with power and preparing for the assault to come. There are hints of early Venom combined into a more Second Wave Black Metal assault that carries you along with it, thrashing away. The second song, Destruction of Ingrained Delusion, is a fierce thrashy number, raging with the fires of Hell. The final track, Abhorrent Foundations, is somewhat slower than the other tracks, being a more mid-paced, fist-pumping track that sends an empowering force through you and gets you headbanging. When I mention an empowering force, I mean that the song does have a more epic feeling than some of the previous material, as if the band were trying to reach the same level of majesty and presence in this song that is achieved by bands like Deströyer 666 on A Sermon To The Dead and other songs- not that it sounds like Deströyer 666, mind you, but rather that it is a seeming progression towards that more epic feeling created by masterfully blending Heavy Metal, Black Metal, and Speed Metal. As mentioned, the band is progressing in their sound, and, whilst retaining many of the elements that made the debut EP brilliant, they are seemingly more assured of their sound and have written music with a more ‘epic’ feeling that hopefully can be developed further in future material. With the current line-up, whilst there is no bassist, the EP does not lack any power that might come because of this. The guitars are raw, sharp, and cutting, having an icy bite that adds to the might of the three songs. Graham’s vocals are quite impressive and remind me of Tom G. Warrior to some extent and possessing a certain potency which again helps generate the strength of the songs. Tam’s drums are well balanced in the mix, in my opinion, being neither overbearing nor inaudible, but rather at a good volume to help compliment the riff attack. Overall, with good production and some killer songs, this is a great EP for fans of Black Thrash and a strong follow-up to the last release. It will be interesting to see how the band progresses, but in the meantime, make sure to check this EP out. 8/10.