Review: Nemus Anima “Rivers Flow Red”

The renowned Finnish black metal scene has produced some of the finest Black Metal bands to have ever struck a chord or to have penned a note. The Trinity: Horna, Sargeist and Behexen. The Forefathers: Archgoat, Impaled Nazarene and Barathrum. Since the onset of the Second Wave of Black Metal and on through until today, these collectives have kindled the infernal blaze that is the ever-fertile Finnish Black Metal underground. To say that this movement is highly trafficked would be an understatement. There’s so much good music emerging from out of this hallowed soil that it can be overwhelming! Particularly for a journalist like myself. Within this hallowed soil, you’ll discover burgeoning acts such as White Death, Aethyrick and Nemus Anima. The latter is a Melodic Black Metal band that was birthed in 2023. A prolific outfit is Nemus Anima: two and soon to be three LPs to boast within their discography. On June 6, NA will unveil Rivers Flow Red independently.

It’s usually the Swedes whom one generally thinks about when it comes to MBM, but the Finnish scene is a versatile one. Rivers Flow Red, from what I’m hearing so far, is driven by the same familiar, divine melodic currents, but with that unmistakable Suomi edge redolent to Satanic Warmaster and Azaghal. Difficult to describe, but we all know it when we hear it. “The Gate to My World” is the catalyst to this epic affair. Gentle clean guitar progressions slip like creek water over smooth, time-worn stone into grande riffs and thunderous rhythms. Grandiose one minute, soothingly aquatic the next. So far, so good… The following track, “Toxic Blood” – an experimental piece – a layered transpiration within the backdrop: gorgeous, almost folkish clean melodies just behind chugging riffs and one remarkable lead.

There’s a lot going on here, but nothing convoluted or confusing. This is wisely-composed material that speaks to Nemus Anima visionary and sole instrumentalist, Topi Karhunen’s adeptness and his ability to create a multidimensional experience, despite NA functioning without a full lineup of musicians. Just beyond the midway point of the album, you’ll discover “Thread That Burns” – a mellow vibe – soulful and moving. It feels so kin-like, despite its originality. A sensual track that soothes the senses with hypnotic repetition; the most melodic cut on the record thus far. And then its head first into the grime we dive during “Karma”: Thrashy riffs, martial rhythms and fiendish vocals serving as a realization of the fact that this guy is as savvy as he is appreciative of classicism.

Like a brand new, fully loaded car is “Rivers Flow Red”. Just gleefully discovering all of its many capabilities with the fervor of a child. Anthems of passion and of class rarely paralleled. A contemplative titular outro to cap it all off. Decompressing and soaking it in. Lost in its tranquility… Like a gut-warming nightcap does it radiate through you; comforting you; taking you into a warm spring of reflective soundscapes. What a pleasant surprise! What a remarkably memorable LP. Another triumph for the Suomi scene is Nemus Anima and a delectable addition to an already impressive catalogue is Rivers Flow Red. Mark your calendars! You don’t want to miss this one.

https://nemusanima.bandcamp.com/