Written by Jesse James Smith
There are a few bands that have blown me away from the very first 30 seconds of listening, and Nygma from Texas are on the top of that list. If you want to talk about a criminally underrated band that most of you never heard of, which is such a shame. But, with their release of their new album “Ballad Of A Real RocknRolla” it’s time to change that.
If you grew up liking the chaotic post hardcore bands like Letlive, Every Time I Die, and The Chariot, these guys are right up your alley, but with their own twist. They bring that spirit both in their music and in their live shows which feels like a refresher for the up and coming artists on how to be a performer. But truly these guys right now are im creating a league of their own.
“Ballad of a Real RockNRolla” Album Art
Nygma is a hybrid blend of the nostalgic chaotic post hardcore and the modern metal subgenres that no one can really put their finger on what it is. Is it metalcore? Hardcore? I don’t know, but it rips. The album kicks off with an absolute heater titled “the mercy seat”. I was going into listening to their album pretty blind so I wasn’t sure what kind of band this was. At first, I thought a Northlane carbon copy was coming based on the intro, boy was I shook.
The first 2 minutes they showcased their ability to weave through genre boxes with chaotic riffs, solid vocal melodies and an acapella gang chant that makes me want to open the pit so wide the gates of hell could burst through.
Moving down the album, my next favorite track was “rocknrolla”. I think more bands should bring back sound clips and these were perfect. A true masterclass of songwriting and technicality. Another on the heavier side is “my sweet lord”. This is a little more agressive and heavy in tuning and vibe. If you missed the 2008 dissonant “panic” chords, you got it here. Closing the album is a song literally titled “secret track” which after speaking to their drummer who also plays for Lost In Separation, I found out is one of their personal favorite tracks. This one is coming out of left field and introduces horns. Like a horn player. It’s wild.
This album is truly something special and I can’t stop listening to it. Just hearing it makes me want to dance and move. They have an old timey aesthetic with this record which honestly was a huge selling point. This record feels like Texas and they wear that proudly. I truly think this band is going to making some noise soon, because if I could give them an 11/10, I would.
If you’re liking what you’re reading, go give a band a following and the album a listen here!