The ultra-dark idol group NECRONOMIDOL released their album VOIDHYMN in September 2018 and is a collection of new tracks and four re-recorded versions of older tracks of the group, such as psychopomp, STRANGE AEONS, DAWNSLAYER and SKULLS IN THE STARS. All can be listened to digitally or on a CD, but from 26 April 2019, it is also possible to listen to the music on vinyl through the French label Specific Recordings. The label has worked before with NECRONOMIDOL to release the limited European editions of the albums Nemesis (2016) and Deathless (2017). VOIDHYMN is pressed on 180-gram vinyl, that means it is a heavier and thicker record which increase the durability of the record.
Tracklist:
A
1. DAWNSLAYER
2. thanatogenesis
3. IN BLACK
4. SAMHAIN
5. INNSMOUTHB
1. psychopomp
2. STRANGE AEONS
3. les tenebres sans visage
4. KADATH
5. SKULLS IN THE STARS
From the cover, a painting by Maruo Suehiro, that is intriguing enough to get framed, till the record, that is in clear pastel purple instead of the typical black, all in all, it doesn’t directly state what you can expect from this album. But you can already feel that it isn’t the typical bubbly idol music what you will hear if you place the needle on the record and start playing.
VOIDHYMN is NECRONOMIDOL’s third full album. In total, you can find ten tracks on this album. Although the band line-up has changed in the meantime, with the departure of Sari and Hina at the beginning of this year, it doesn’t make VOIDHYMN less interesting to listen to. Especially for those who love to collect vinyl, it is a great addition to have this in your collection. Also for those who already have the release on CD, this is a cool item to have. For those without a record player, make sure to borrow one from someone as listening to vinyl does give a different vibe than just listening to a CD. Although listening to the group live is maybe ten times better, the atmosphere that the LP gives off is dark and fascinating and perfect for a gloomy day.
NECRONOMIDOL excels in the impeccable close harmony, which should cause goosebumps, it can be best heard in DAWNSLAYER, psychopomp and STRANGE AEONS. The addition of a band instead of the sounds of the synthesizer to make it more metal and heavier than darkwave, makes the album feel more saturated and powerful. That can especially be heard in SKULLS IN THE STARS, that has been re-recorded a few times, but this time with a band. As a dance and vocal group, NECRONOMIDOL are already convincing, but with a band, it makes a stronger impression.
VOIDHYMN is filled with an overall darkness, the occult, horror and those with an interest in the work of H.P. Lovecraft, will recognise the influence of it in the music. Some songs on this album are super catchy, such as the track SAMHAIN that embraces ska and and KADATH which embraces folk music, but there is also space for beautiful and fragile songs such as psychopomp. The combination of a full band in the back or synthesizer, makes it also interesting to enjoy the intriguing darkness that NECRONOMIDOL likes to share with their fans. If you aren’t lured in by this idol group, VOIDHYMN will get you.
VOIDHYMN has been a good album to celebrate the point where the group was standing at that moment, active for 4 years, and as stated by the group itself, it is indeed an entry point for new fans to the group. The limited European vinyl of VOIDHYMN can be purchased from 26 April from Specific Recordings through Bandcamp, there will be 500 copies available. The vinyl version will have a sturdy sleeve with a beautiful design on the front and a simple back with all the information you need to know about the idol group, the persons who worked on it and of course the logo of NECRONOMIDOL. Furthermore, there is a possibility to buy a special NECRONOMIDOL tote bag that has been designed by Jennie Zakrzewski. Also, these are limited.
Rating: 80/100
