The Black Album by The Julie Mittens: A Nu Metal/Black Metal Mashup That’ll Leave You Scratching Your Head (In a Good Way)
Alright, let’s talk about The Black Album by The Julie Mittens. No, it’s not some moody coffeehouse poetry slam—it’s a self-released rock masterpiece blending the dark vibes of Black Metal with the chunky aggression of Nu Metal. If you’re into stuff that feels like a chaotic fever dream but still slaps hard enough to make your neighbors hate you, this might just be your jam.
First off, let me say this album doesn’t mess around. It kicks off with “Oixityl - Kuxtgliii,” which is honestly one of the most unhinged openers I’ve heard in ages. The track starts with what sounds like an angry blender having an existential crisis before slamming into riffs so heavy they could dent steel. There’s something oddly mesmerizing about how the vocals alternate between guttural growls and these weirdly melodic screams—it’s like watching two different bands fight for control of the same song. And yet… it works? Like, sure, it’s messy as heck, but isn’t that kind of the point? By the time the track ends, you’re left wondering if you should applaud or call animal control.
Then there’s “Oixityl - Cugoli,” which somehow manages to out-weird its predecessor. This one leans more into the Nu Metal side of things, with chugging guitars and beats that sound like someone dropped a drum machine down a flight of stairs. But instead of feeling gimmicky, it’s got this raw energy that pulls you in. Halfway through, there’s this unexpected breakdown where everything drops out except for this haunting synth line. It’s eerie, kinda beautiful, and totally unexpected—like finding a unicorn at a demolition derby. Honestly, it’s moments like these that stick with you long after the album stops spinning.
Now, here’s the kicker: The Black Album isn’t perfect. Sometimes the production feels like it was recorded inside a tin can during a tornado, and yeah, some transitions are rougher than my morning stubble. But honestly? That adds to the charm. This feels less like a polished studio project and more like a sweaty, unfiltered live show captured on tape. You can practically hear the band flipping each other off between takes.
So who should listen to this? If you’re a fan of bands like Slipknot or Behemoth but wish they had more of a “what happens when we press Record without thinking too much?” vibe, then congrats—you found your new favorite album. For everyone else, well, maybe don’t play this at your grandma’s birthday party unless she’s really into aggressive noise art.
Final thought: Listening to The Black Album feels like eating spicy noodles while riding a rollercoaster—you know it’s gonna get wild, but damn if it ain’t fun. Oh, and also, why does every track title start with “Oixityl”? Is that their drummer’s cat? Asking for a friend.
