NOOR were totally unknown to me. For a month now, not a day goes by without me listening to their debut, “Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One”, an album that will be remembered as one of the most important milestones in the history of underground heavy metal.
Am I exaggerating?
No, not at all – and everyone who has heard this absolute metal masterpiece that came out of nowhere will confirm that!
To put it simply, NOOR’s music CAN’T GET ANY BETTER! It seems like the Canadians unleashed their debut album determined to blow our minds away; “Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One” is a mesmerizing fusion of raw energy and emotional depth. With their inaugural release standing out in SUCH an striking way, NOOR prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
From the opening track to the closing notes, “Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One” takes listeners on a captivating journey through intricate melodies, blistering riffs, amazing guitar solos and poignant lyrics. The album seamlessly blends elements of various metal sub-genres, showcasing the band’s versatility and creativity. Yet, let me clear about it: this is one of the truest USPM album made outside the States EVER!
One can hear the epicness of OMEN and the thrashy speed power sound of AGENT STEEL, LIEGE LORD and HELSTAR together with the progressive switching arrangements of early QUEENSRYCHE and HEIR APPARENT and the meaty heaviness of ATTACKER and VICIOUS RUMORS – yes, Olivier Roy (bass), Nicolas Moro (drums) Simon Jarmosh (rhythm guitars) and Thomas Karam (vocals and lead guitars) have indeed made that happen!
Still, they present themselves in the humblest way, merely as a “Heavy Metal Band form Quebec” – congrats on your modesty, guys, in a world where big, fat words slip out of everyone’s mouth very easily, you keep an attitude that makes the difference.
One of the standout aspects of NOOR‘s debut album is its thematic depth. The lyrics delve into the complexities of human emotions and experiences, ranging from introspective reflections to visceral outpourings of either awe or despair, all that in a general contrast of environmental/urban perception.
Musically, NOOR demonstrates truly exceptional skill and musicianship. The band’s tight instrumentation, highlighted by powerful guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and dynamic basslines, creates a sonic landscape that is both captivating and immersive. Vocalist Thomas Karam‘s versatile range adds another layer of depth to the music, ranging from haunting melodies to aggressive screams with effortless precision.
Standout tracks like “Hills of Qartaba”, “Golden Coffin” and “Mother’s Guilty Pleasure” showcase NOOR‘s ability to seamlessly blend melodic passages with crushing heaviness, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.
The production quality is rather cloudy, to offer an overall dark sensation, yet allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining the album’s raw energy.
“Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One” is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive artistic statement that leaves a lasting impact. This is an unquestionable triumph for NOOR! With their potent blend of passion, talent, and creativity, the band has firmly established themselves as a band to watch in the metal scene. They have set the bar REALLY high with their debut release, and they show immense promise for the future of our beloved, ever shining bright US Steel.
Those looking for something fresh and exciting should not miss out on this stellar debut album – it’s PHENOMENAL!
Fingers crossed, let’s all hope that Part Two will not take too long to come out…
“Mother’s Guilty Pleasure Part One” was independently released on February 20th.
Check the discussion about the album in our forum pages.
You can purchase the album digitally here.
