The truth is that the vast majority of black metal bands that have arrived on the scene long after the legendary scenes in Norway and Sweden made their marks have been nothing to rave about. Most of the newcomers have been too derivative and/or falling short in the quality department. This is precisely why CODE’s new album, Augur Nox, is of importance.
Continuing the avant garde and progressive spirit of Norwegian black metal, the UK’s CODE dish out a unique style on their own. CODE is not about being Satanic, necro, or aggressive throughout. Rather the band is fiercely modern sounding with a strong dynamic range. In many ways, it’s like a marriage between the technical and riffing proficiency of NEVERMORE with the progressive and compelling atmospheres and dynamics of contemporary ENSLAVED. Speaking of the latter characteristic, CODE always create a strong feel or tone with each track.
Throughout Augur Nox, you can’t help but feel the novelty, the freshness of it all. You haven’t quite heard these riffs before nor this style before. It’s difficult yet great to not able to categorize this album into a commonly used descriptor. Overall, the songs on Augur Nox are always building towards something. The band never simply blast out fast songs nor trudge along. In a way, the songs are subtle and understated in a clandestine, obscure manner.
If you’re ready to step forward with the new breed of black metal, then CODE’s Augur Nox is a mandatory destination. (Agonia Records)
