Njiqahdda - Nji. Njiijn. Njiiijn.

Njiqahdda. Nji. Njiijn. Njiiijn. 2008. 4.5 stars

Njiqahdda (pronounced Nee Gee Kaa Daa) is a mysterious black metal/psychedelic act from Illinois that focuses on abstraction, experimentation and a dense layering of sounds to produce their ritualistic compositions. Underneath the drawn-out shoegaze riffs, bizarre percussive trances and waves of distortion lies an album rich with spiritual and musical concepts. Like the equally obscure offerings of Velvet Cacoon, Njiqahdda speaks its own artistic language far removed from decipherable convention - there are no allusions to nationalism, satanism or the occult to be pulled out from here. What remains in these 4 incredibly long tracks is pure and all-consuming catharsis, a rare and raw specimen of rock completely separated from image and meaning, one focused only on the exploding pools of color inside the mind’s eye.

Soaring symphonic lines, rumbling bass, tremolo guitars and distorted, garbled mantras blend together in a thick wash of noise. Despite there being no distinct musical element to lead Njiqahdda’s charge, the complex textures become accessible through hypnotic repetition, as the cyclical movements ring through like Phillip Glass’ notorious symphonies. While I initially found some of these moments to be monotonous and trying, they soon began to grow on me as I became immersed in their sheer complexity.

It has to be said - Nji. Njiijn. Njiiijn. is a challenging and often disturbing record. It is fanatically dense, opaque, often frightening and difficult to get into. Yet all these seemingly aversive traits make this work all the more rewarding, because as it is explored over repeated listens, and perhaps in different contexts, it reveals the incredible potential experimental music has for meditation, reflection and release. There are few albums, even within the fractious genres of black metal and post rock, that offer such mystical and organic dimensions as this one. Njiqahdda are the gate keepers for a mysterious and intense psychological experience that is difficult to shake off. There is great strength to be found from this record if you are willing to sift through its inner sanctums.

Njiqahdda - Aasklamatii Ligmett Aursag (excerpt)

As a side note, there is an interesting interview with Njiqahdda to be found over at Pagan Flames Productions. Be sure to check it out.

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