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Post-Metal: Amerta - Nodus Tollens (2024)

78 / 100
Amerta’s debut leaves a strong mark in Indonesian post-metal by leaning toward sludge/doom atmospheres. Despite minor flaws, it shows ambition and international-level potential.
There are three bands with the same name known so far in Indonesia, and Amerta band from Jakarta seems to be the youngest one but determined to bring an underrated subgenre, post-metal instead of post-black or the more typical post-hardcore, to meet the demand of the local market. Moreover, the addition of their female vocalist must be a significant move for the band as well.

It’s always easy to notice resemblances between bands for others I think. And here I’m glad to be able to mention a lesser-known German female-fronted band like Aethernal, particularly on "New Day Raising" which is has similar cocoons to "Argentum". At the same time, Amerta’s “Chevron” recalls the aura of Black Math Horseman, especially with a similar female-bassist presence shared between Sera Timms and Anida.

Musically, Amerta lean more toward sludge/doom than the ethereal leanings of Alcest, which local peers Lament explored on their debut. Both bands made the bold choice to sing in English to reach wider audiences. Still, Amerta also tried to weave in an Indonesian element on “Tiang Garam.” To me, the track polishes the lyrics but falls short musically, veering into a lighter, modern-rock sound with programmed drums, which also appear on “Eternal Grace.” These are in sharp contrast to their cover of Chrisye’s “Kala Sang Surya Tenggelam,” which is haunting and carries genuine gothic/doom weight within the album.

In addition, they also channel hardcore influences on “Padam” to introduce themselves to the local underground scene. With names like Raja and Akbar from the death metal band Revenge, plus Ricky Siahaan of Seringai as producer, Amerta’s footing in the scene becomes even stronger.

All in all, Amerta deliver expansive compositions and the atmosphere you’d expect from a clean-vocally post-metal band, even if the two more rock-oriented tracks didn’t click with me. I sincerely hope to see them play at Dunk! Fest like Morgensoll, or at least reach international recognition in the post-metal scene.

[The review also posted on Metal Archives.]
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