Published: May 16, 2015

The demo 'Japetus' by Canada's Norilsk left me wanting to hear more. Now 'The Idea Of North' has been released, I can wholeheartedly tell it was worth the wait. The music this duo delivers, is hardly comparable to any other doom band. Basically this can be described as death/doom mixed with some sludge and a bit of post metal. Add the vocals in the French language and you have a pretty good picture of Norilsk. By the way, the lyrics are also available in English in the booklet.

If I should mention some names you could compare Norilsk to I have to mention the same bands like I did in my review of the demo, namely Thergothon, old My Dying Bride and Celtic Frost. If you can imagine what that is like you are on the right track. You can also convince yourself by listening to the album through the clip below. That will tell you a lot more because I notice it is really difficult to put to words what the music of Norilsk is like. In fact that is a compliment to the band as it proves they recorded something special. What also is special is the fact Norilsk recorded a cover of the moderate hit 'Coeur de Loup' by Belgian artist Philippe Lafontaine. That also proves the headstrong attitude of Norilsk. I can only advise to buy this album as soon as possible.