Building on the success of their 2022 debut, …And Then, The Abusement Park Left Town, Italian metalcore innovators Nekomata return with their sophomore album, Euphoria (January 24th). It’s a relentless and genre-bending metalcore tour de force that is an electrifying blend of power, precision, and ferocity.
With their self-coined “power core” sound, the band, Andrea Olivieri (vocals), Andrea Cappellari (guitar and programming), Filippo Zavattari (bass and backing vocals), and Alberto Mezzanotte (drums) have dialed up every aspect of their music. The result is an album brimming with technical finesse, devastating riffs, and melodies that soar above the chaos.
Opening with a moody, techno-industrial intro, “PY” sets the tone for the album’s high-energy journey. Named after the mineral pyrite, the track weaves atmospheric layers into a bold prelude, hinting at the thematic weight to follow. Bursting out of the gates, “Shattered” delivers a blistering combination of speed and despair. With rapid-fire verses and bone-crushing breakdowns, it embodies emotional turbulence. The track’s searing energy makes it a natural choice as the album’s de facto opener.
“Automata” shifts gears by pairing introspective melodies with a compelling narrative of self-discovery. Its soaring chorus offers a standout moment that highlights Andrea’s vocal prowess and the band’s ability to balance aggression with accessibility. As the first single, “In My Flesh” exemplifies Nekomata’s ability to craft anthems. It’s a powerful exploration of passion and connection with the song blending intricate grooves and has some of the album’s most memorable choruses.
Leaning into progressive metal influences, “Feedback” features complex rhythms and a haunting midsection. The vivid narrative of a life flashing before one’s eyes is masterfully mirrored in the dynamic arrangement. While “Zero” is anchored by djent-inspired grooves, it dives into themes of self-doubt and perfectionism. The track’s relentless rhythm and intricate guitar work make it an undeniable highlight that showcases the band’s technical chops.
The album’s wildcard, “De Priapi Dilemma” is as eccentric as its name suggests. With its boogie-inspired groove and layered arrangements, it’s a whirlwind of experimentation that’s both chaotic and exhilarating. Following is “Road to Ruin”. The song has a unique blend of sing-along-worthy chorus and driving rhythms that creates moments of catharsis amidst the chaos.
“Super Omnia” is a masterclass in genre fusion with its intricate drumming and fast-paced riffs giving way to a chorus that’s as theatrical as it is thunderous. Closing the album, “Ataraxia – Still Abused” ties together themes of creativity and struggle. It revisits motifs from the band’s debut while pushing their sound into more complex and emotional territory.
With Euphoria, Nekomata has crafted an album that is equal parts ferocious and melodic. It’s a meticulous blend of heaviness and technical brilliance.
