Review by Alex Grindor on July 29, 2024.

2019 was quite the year for Norma Evangelium Diaboli, the renowned French label and haven of many unique extreme bands. I mean, anyone who is aware of this label knows that 2019 saw the release of some magnificent albums; Furnaces Of Palingenesia, Baneful Choir, Algleymi, and a couple more. But among this catalog of releases, one in particular was quite the surprise, mostly because it was released as such, with no forewarning and barely any description. An album that I believe is one of the least accessible albums in all of black metal, even more than "Fas - Ite..." by DsO (which already is a hard listen on its own)

NEDXXX spawned unto this world without any announcement or mention in any media, which just shows that this project (as the label that houses them) cares very little for recognition or hype regarding their work. Their debut album, barely over 30 minutes, dabbles into the most jarring and discordant exercises ever made in black metal, paired with an anti-cosmic narrative of chaos and its beauty, the beginning and the end, darkness and the diabolic.

One can immediately draw parallels with Abigor and Deathspell Omega (bear this in mind) given the label and the atonal, chaotic nature of the album. But this is even more frantic and twisted than anything the aforementioned bands have ever crafted. From the moment the guitars join the drums that open the album, the shifting harmonies that clash and mesh with each other are in constant turmoil, causing a maelstrom of beauty and madness that mirrors the narrative spoken in the record as a whole. To speak of every instrument or even individual track is irrelevant, as the album gives no quarter to your capacity to understand or comprehend what you are listening to. Despite this, a small breakdown is needed, for every aspect of this album is part of and conforms to a swirling vortex of utter blackness, and its jaws speak.

In maniacal gnostic preaching, the vocals recite a journey of creation, revelation, and defiance to His Work, embracing the inner fire of rebellion towards the Divine and the utmost desire, in death, to become one with the primal chaos and its inevitable palingenesia. Believe me when I say the individual behind the vocals is a fervent devotee of the subject matter, with a menacing performance that borders on preaching through madness, with some additional narrative provided through spoken passages and samples. While the line-up for NEDXXX remains concealed, I would be inclined to say that the vocals are executed by Shaarimoth's frontman, Rune Andreassen, as his vocals are pretty much similar in delivery and depth.

The instrumentation as a whole has managed to perfectly encapsulate a caustic vortex of chaos, with a constant barrage of discordance and harmony that lashes in every possible direction, yet manages to be consistent and coherent throughout the entire runtime. Layers of strings dangling through frantic drums that, impressively, never do more than what's needed for the songs. Many aspects can be likened to Deathspell Omega and Abigor, although the rumor of Abigor's involvement in the record was debunked by the band itself, it could easily be a ploy for misdirection.

This record does not hold back in any aspect and is intended to be consumed in one sitting, with no distractions or interruptions. Even still, despite the fact that everything flows flawlessly, the Digital version does separate the tracks which is the only element of accessibility that NEDXXX provides for the listener. But in truth, this element is irrelevant, as every song by itself is not approachable for casual listen.

Lastly, the packaging and the name are of utmost simplicity. Despite the beautiful, detailed cover art that graces the record, everything else, from the booklet to the inlay, is absolute black. An album that eschews a regal presentation and demands to be listened to. No name, no logo, just music for those who dare enter the void. NEDXXX is named this way referring both to the label and its blank catalog number, but some also claim that it can be interpreted as "Nad Zazas Zazas Zazas", which is similar to the first words uttered in Dissection's "Reinkaos". Whether it is true or not, these assumptions just add to the overall narrative exerted by this project.

NEDXXX is a work of pure chaos in the most excruciatingly perfect way possible. Impenetrable and exhausting, yet exquisite and rewarding with subsequent spins. Those into avant-garde music could even consider this the black metal approach to Trout Mask Replica. NEDXXX is the culmination of everything that NoEvDia's elite offers and must be experienced at least once. Whether it proves too much for you to handle, or become seduced by its darkness, only you can make the choice.

Rating: 9.7 out of 10