Nachtmystium

While it’s not uncommon for the Bottle to host metal shows of the extreme persuasion (if the sea of record-store clerks at the Bottle-booked Sunn O))) concert at Logan Square Auditorium last spring was any hint, there’s a demand for it), tonight takes things a surprising step further. While they’ve been around for a decade and have a solid reputation on both the national and international black-metal scenes, locals Nachtmystium have kept a low profile here, quite intentionally: In this bleakest of bleak metal genres, the appearance of being kvlt (pronounced “cult,” basically the opposite of being a sellout) is essential to credibility, and bandleader Azentrius has preserved that image for a decade, only playing Chicago on specific special occasions to preach to the converted in this very small and insular scene.

So why is Nachtmystium playing its first Chicago show in two years at the Bottle, of all places? Perhaps it’s a sign that one of metal’s most cloistered genres is spreading its wings a bit. Nachtmystium has steadily been moving away from black metal’s tried-and-true raw sound, and the new Instinct: Decay (Battle Kommand) is a remarkable work that adds in psych, drone and ambient elements with a heavy Pink Floyd influence. Using synths is a courageous move on this sort of album, but layered on the undermixed vocals they create a sort of dreamy effect, more meditative than murderous. The band has recently toured with Pelican as well, is joined tonight by doom-metal (a far more popular genre around here) labelmates Zoroaster, and Azentrius has publicly stated that he thinks the whole kvlt thing is crap. Enjoy the misery, now that you finally can.—Antonia Simigis