ninehertz

Biela is a phenomenal record. That it took me a few runs through to realise this – re-listens prompted by a physical release on the admirable JDØS (one of seven labels involved) – is all down to my own shortcomings, although the unique approach offered by Ničiteľ has something to do with it. I needed the time to really get to grips with what they have achieved, and once unlocked its supremacy was there to see.

They have always run their own course – their album Anna of four years ago displayed a distinctive approach to doom, post-metal, punk and more, but now, having added a dedicated vocalist in the interim, they’ve grown, diverting from the trodden path even further. This is pioneering crusty, blackened experimentation.

The vocals add a spite that makes it impossible not to be taken aback immediately, whilst the bass and drum instrumentation is given a haunted quality. There are minimalist passages of off-kilter noise-rock that disrupt any alignment to standardised song structures, sometimes cropping up before the song has even got going. There are touches of post-rock and doom, a hint of screamo here and there too.

It feels constantly angry and agitated, always discordant but as likely to head musically to light as it to unleash a barrage of heaviness. There are no comparisons to other bands in this review because none spring to mind. Its innovation alone is enough to pique the interest, but – maybe after a couple of plays, admittedly – the songs then start to reveal more and more and you realise not only is this different but it is wonderful with it.