Nile - Ithyphallus(Nuclear Blast/Riot)

Wed 22nd Aug, 2007 in Music Reviews

The Egyptian-themed Nile released their seventh album Ihyphallus in July this year. As we have come to expect from this band, the music is tight.

Ithyphallus provides us with tracks that are underpinned by furious drumming, overlaid with chunky riffs, threaded with growls, and highlighted by the occasional silvery lead. The pace throughout varies from time to time, and yet retains it’s essential furiosity. I can only imagine what this band are like live – having missed them last time they toured – but if they put half the energy into their live performance that they put into their recordings, then it would be an incredible experience.

That said, this recording can get a touch tiresome. Yes it is furiously paced (for the most part). Yes there is variety. Yes, the vocals are awesome in parts. But for some reason Ithyphallic has an atmosphere that tends to dampen itself. Maybe it’s the similar sound of the guitars throughout. Maybe it’s a varying, though consistent structure. Whatever it is, it means that rather than listening to this album and thinking how great it is, you start to wonder what you can be doing while you ‘listen’ to it.

However, Nile are a great band and this album is a good addition to your Nile collection, even if it can sometimes get a wee bit tiresome to listen to!