One Listen Review
1st Listen 12 Feb 25
Reviewed 15 Feb 25
Novarupta – Astral Sands
Suicidal Records
Released 14 Feb 25
In 2019, Swedish blackened sludgers Novarupta released the 1st in a 4-album based on the elements Fire, Water, Air and Earth. Astral Sands completes the set and it is utterly different than the 2 track instrumental album that preceded it.
At 47 minutes, Astral Sands has 9 tracks that, and I apologise for even considering writing these words, ‘takes you on a journey’. If ever an album warrants the use of this over-used reviewer cliché, this is the one that deserves it. Astral Sands is a monumental album that never fails to impress throughout its run-time.
The inauspicious opening track, ‘Ensamstående Enastående’ does nothing to prepare you for what is about to come. It is an instrumental track and you think that we are building to another instrumental album, but Novarupta are more savvy than that, and ‘Seven Collides’ brings a slice of delicious post-metal into the equation with a very decent vocal performance.
Much of the riffs can be described as consistent throughout the tracks. They sit inside the song like a murky Uber and just exist. ‘The Clay Keeps’ is a prime example, with the riff building upon the drum-led rhythm. It is a very good song.
As the album develops, the enjoyment factor just builds. It is intriguing. Astral Sands never bores you, the variety on offer ensures that your interest is maintained. The result is that the last of my notes reads, ‘I can’t wait for another listen’.
In fact, there is more than a strong possibility that all 4 albums will be listened to in order.
The DevilsHorns 
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