NOTHING – The Self Repair Manifesto
Release Date: 28th March 2024
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Progressive Death Metal, Melodic Metal.
FFO: Dark Tranquillity, Allegaeon, Replicant.
Review By: Eric Wilt
Australian progressive death metal band Nothing makes a thunderous entrance with their debut album, The Self Repair Manifesto. While many first records show signs of a band still finding their way, Nothing has arrived with a fully realized and really impressive sound. Blending intense riffing, blast beats, and ferocious drumming, with moments of groove, and even melody, this album feels as refined as the work of a veteran band.
Not content to stick to one genre, Nothing incorporates aspects of death metal, melodic metal, black metal, classical music, and even tribal drumming into their debut album. The tribal drumming makes its first appearance in the introductory track, Initiate, and returns in a later song called The Shroud. Surprisingly, or perhaps not, this tribal drumming fits really well with Nothing’s heavy riffing.
Individually, the musicians can all hold their own. The solo work of the guitarist on songs like the title track is especially enjoyable, while the band’s vocals vary between a deep growl and gruff yell similar to Mikael Stanne’s voice in Dark Tranquility.
For a debut album, The Self Repair Manifesto is remarkably polished, displaying musicianship and songwriting that suggest Nothing has a bright future ahead of them in the progressive death metal world. While not overly flashy, Nothing’s music is expertly crafted—solid, dynamic, and thoroughly enjoyable.
(4 / 5)
