What makes Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II by Nachtmystium notable?

This album marked a notable shift in the black metal scene, merging genres and broadening the appeal of the genre. It received positive reviews from major publications like Pitchfork and Decibel, which praised its ambitious sound and innovative approach, helping to solidify Nachtmystium's status as pioneers within the genre. Released in 2010, Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II is Nachtmystium's fourth studio album and acts as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed Black Meddle, Part I. The band was at a pivotal moment in their career, having transitioned from traditional black metal to incorporating more diverse influences, reflecting their artistic evolution after the significant success of the previous album.

Who is Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II for?

Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II works well if you're into wave-like pacing with resolution, experimentation that challenges expectations and cathartic release through intensity.

How many songs are on Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II?

Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II has 10 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II

Nachtmystium · 2010

48 min · 10 tracks · black metal

A dark exploration of addiction wrapped in experimental black metal textures and haunting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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No Funeral — This track embodies the album's themes of despair through its relentless aggression paired with melodic undertones, striking a balance between chaos and beauty.
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The End Is Eternal — Clocking in at over seven minutes, this song showcases the band's ability to weave intricate musical passages that reflect a sense of hopelessness while maintaining an immersive atmosphere.
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Addicts — The title track serves as a poignant centerpiece, articulating the struggle with addiction through both lyrical depth and dynamic shifts in instrumentation that mirror the tumultuous experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggressive and atmospheric elements effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and unique compositional choices.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'Addicts' and 'Blood Trance Fusion' utilize unconventional song structures, often shifting tempos and dynamics unexpectedly.
The use of layered instrumentation creates a dense soundscape, particularly in the closing track 'Every Last Drop', which gradually builds to an intense climax.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with resolution
experimentation that challenges expectations
cathartic release through intensity
immersive journey from start to

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2010, Addicts: Black Meddle, Part II is Nachtmystium's fourth studio album and acts as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed Black Meddle, Part I. The band was at a pivotal moment in their career, having transitioned from traditional black metal to incorporating more diverse influences, reflecting their artistic evolution after the significant success of the previous album.
Stylistic neighbors: Leviathan· Wolves in the Throne Room· Agalloch