Hello Metalheads! This is John back with another album review! Nospūn brings us a re-recorded and remixed version of their debut EP called Ozai. Although this EP originally was under a band name Ozai, I’m pretty sure it is still the same members. These wizards blend the line between progressive rock and metal in a great way.
Nospūn dropped their debut full length album Opus two years ago and it has been near the top of my minutes listened ever since! I have been eagerly awaiting new material from this band ever since. This band consists of four members and they really manage to create a fantastic sound. Even though this EP is originally over a decade old they still have a recognizable sounds from Opus that is exactly why I fell in love with their music. I was absolutely shocked when I started into the first track of this EP. The harsh vocals were completely absent in Opus, it utilized a few times and very effectively.
My favorite part about this band is that they manage to play these incredibly tight, melodic and precise passages, but also manage to have unforgettable choruses and melodies. My favorite example of this is the first track we got to hear of this EP. The Effervescent Power has this heavily djent inspired intro and verse that has a great groove to get us into the track. The instrumentals keep this groove alive but with much more room for the vocals. The chorus has this soaring quality that feel uplifting, but then the instrumentals come right back with their patented technical prowess.
I have something crazy to admit here I think. Out With a Bang has such a catchy chorus, that I believe it could borderline be in a musical or show tune. The prechorus sets us up perfectly with a very busy guitar line. Then the vocals are this perfect singalong melody that suck my ear right in and make me think of some iconic musical tunes turned metal. This track also has such a defining end one might think it’s the end of the EP altogether. This might be because originally it was a stand alone single. It is weird but also great to hear songs that are not all one concept. They really did a great job on this EP.
I could gush about this band for a long time and they only have one full length album and one EP. If that doesn’t say something I don’t know what does. I love this EP and give it a 9.5/10! I know it’s a re-dux of sorts I love hearing some more content from this band. I look forward to whatever they have coming in the future and will continue to listen until then! As always if you like the music stream and even buy the music! Links to social and streaming will be listed below.
https://music.apple.com/us/album/ozai-ep/1795913943
https://open.spotify.com/album/7aoxabLnQs2iORO40s7rf5
https://youtube.com/@nospun_official?si=xC-p-tkEnhBBD2Cn
https://www.instagram.com/nospun_official/?hl=en
https://nospun.bandcamp.com/album/ozai
https://www.facebook.com/share/1L1myEUC64/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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