Published: January 3, 2025

Here we have the fourth album from Quebec’s Norilsk. To start off, here’s a cool and totally useless story: When I was a kid my parents, sister and I went to Maine from Michigan and went through Canada to get there. When we got to Quebec we stopped and ate at a little restaurant I can’t remember the name of anymore. My dad and I ordered a pizza like we always do, and to this day that pizza is the best I’ve ever had. Quebec is not all that far for me to visit. I know somewhere in my mom’s stuff she had a travel log that has the name of said restaurant in there, along with notes of everything we did on that trip. That was 45 years ago, and it may not be open anymore, but it’s always been in the back of my mind to go back. I’m a fat man that loves pizza; I will travel there again for pizza. Maybe while I’m there I can check out Noriilsk live, because their fourth album “Antipole” is also most tasty!

The music here is more of a mid to fast-tempo form of Doom Metal. So, kind of like Candlemass and no Funeral Doom at all. Slow to faster guitars, a huge bass sound and excellent drumming is present throughout the album. The guitar solos on here are insanely good as are the few acoustic guitar parts! “Antipole” is a very catchy album too, and I was nodding my head in Metal agreement without even realizing it. There are times the album has a “Post Metal” sound, and these times are great as well. Track 6 has this sound, and it rules. The last track is very Sabbath-like.

The vocals are Death Metal in style and pretty unique because no other vocalist enters my mind as I listen to him sing. Guttural, raspy and powerful. The lyrics are in French and according to Metal Archives they are about Mythology and History.

The production is nice… clear, loud and I can’t really find anything I disliked about the production at all.

The artwork, done by Adam Burke of Nighjar Illustrations, is excellent and depicts a castle in the mountains with what looks like a gateway or portal. I could be wrong, I usually am, but that’s what my eyes see. The stars and sky over the castle are beautiful to look at. Inside the booklet you will find the lyrics and album and band info.

Until I finally make it back to Quebec, I will throw “Antipole” on to put a smile on my face. You people will all be able to get it at the end of February. The musicianship and songwriting here is top notch and I wish the band all the success in the future!