Nganga is the swahili term for medicine doctor. It makes all sense when one discovers that “Phthisis” is another term for tuberculosis. If one gives some hard thoughts about it those are great names for a Black Metal band and a Black Metal album. Or, better yet, on second thought, they are great names for Death Metal bands if one thinks about bands as Leprosy or Pestilence. But whatever, just to break the ice.
Nganga were originally formed as a duo by vocalist Eyn and drummer Jordan King, The band then expanded its lineup by enlisting Charles Meyer to handle lead melodies for their 2022 demo, “De Muerte.” The demo was very well received, with Invisible Oranges even including it on the best of list for the year 2022. The exceptionally positive reception to “De Muerte” led the band to welcome Nate Stokes, guitarist of Noctomb, into their ranks. This addition marked a turning point in the band’s evolution as they began writing and recording their highly anticipated debut album, “Phthisis.”
The sonancy of “Phthisis” kind of addresses to tuberculosis if one considers it as disease which causes extreme cough, coughing up blood or mucus chest pain, pain with breathing or coughing, fever, chills, night sweats, and weight loss. So, bottomline, the comparison is just perfect. That’s the idea of Black Metal since its inception in the 1980’s. “Phthisis” is full of a cacophony that aplied to Black Metal causes severe addiction on the fan. It’s a cacophony with intent, if you know what I’m saying. I mean dissonances, guitars that sound a little off tune, drums that sound a little out off tempo are totally related to Black Metal. That’s what my dear child of the night will find in here. “Lunar Chains” is a great example with its weird breaks and guitar riffs sounding a little off. By the way, vocals are sometimes really off.
In fact, that’s the main idea of Black Metal: to be sonically shocking. Nganga managed to do it with flying colors. “Phthisis” is the kind of album that really means it in the most outrageous way possible. I can’t imagine a Black metal band without any sign of being the most outrageous possible.
Nganga “Phthisis” will be released on September 29th.
Track Listing:
- Absent Light
- Wound
- Vacuous Dream
- Lunar Chains
- Stems
Watch “Vacuous Dream” official lyric video here:
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