Nihilitia
Nihilist Militia

September 2009
Released: 2009, Keya Records
Rating: 2.0/5
Reviewer: Munkwunk

Nihilitia is a relatively new 3-piece from Washington D.C. As the story goes, the band was formed when singer/bassist Sara Hussain posted an ad on Craigslist in search of like-minded individuals who wished to be involved in a band. Guitarist Chris Thomas and drummer Brad Sheppard heeded the call, and Nihilita was formed.



What we get is a band whose whole is less than the sum of its parts. There isn't anything wrong with the talent that each of these three possess; Hussain doesn't sound like a particularly strong vocalist (although she is a breath of fresh air from all of the operatic Tarja sound-alikes that are prevalent in female metal vocalists these days) but she actually delivers some pretty solid bass lines. Thomas delivers the occasionally-inspired guitar hook, though there doesn't seem to be much cohesiveness to the way he strings notes together, and Sheppard's drumming is actually quite fantastic (especially on "Lebanese Butcher"). Unfortunately, after all is said and done and the tracks are laid down, what we get is roughly half an hour of noise.



I would be impressed to hear any one of these three in a band other than Nihilitia, but as it stands their song structures are just too erratic and the lyrics are not at all to my taste. Need examples? Just imagine what words might go along with songs titled "Shithouse", "Lebanese Butcher", and "Murdervan". The songs seem juvenile and rooted in punk culture and stoner rock. Unless you're in to chaotic music, there isn't much reason to bother with NIHILIST MILITIA. Of course if that's your thing, you actually might really enjoy it.