Nux Vomica

Named for the strychnine tree plant, Nux Vomica began life as a crust/punk band, but eventually evolved into something quite unique. Originally formed in Baltimore in 2003 before relocating to Portland three years later, the band has the usual disjointed discography of punk/hardcore bands (singles, EPs, splits, etc., though few lineup changes), but the album reviewed here is their Relapse debut, the 2014 self-titled effort (and currently their swan song, the band has either outright disbanded or at least been put on hiatus). Nux Vomica consists of three songs averaging over 14 minutes in length, and these days songs that long are usually ambient soundscapes of one form or another. Not here -- the band's hardcore/crust roots are in full force here, but there are plenty of other influences, notably doom and post-metal, at work as well. The songs ebb and flow with fluidity and grace, alternating between quieter moments and furious hardcore intensity with surprising ease. If this is truly their last effort, they've gone out on a high note.

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Discography

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