Magan – “Nathicana” (American Line Productions, 2004; Sempiternal Productions, 2024) 

South American Black Metal, and even Extreme Metal in general, has given us superb examples of honesty and hard work, which linger to this day as exquisite pieces of Art. Too many to mention, and you are probably thinking of the obvious, as was I, until I came across this specimen. Magan is a now defunct Black Metal band from Mexico, that released this EP in 2004, that now resurfaces with added tracks (Sodom and Satanic Warmaster covers, along with live tracks).

Their sound was not the extreme and filthy Black Metal we expected – and normally still expect – from those harsh lands. No! Their sound was delicate, wrapped in fantasy and melody! Mythological creatures and desolated lands, warriors and demons! Not the idea of South American Black Metal we were given throughout the ages, correct? And the sound… the sound goes along the same lines: melodic and almost symphonic! Well, symphonic at times. This is a Lovecraftian homage, and we bloody love it!

Magan was born from the ashes of Nasav, that had a much rawer sound, much more South American, if I may. Although I did enjoy what I have heard from their “previous incarnation”, what they did with “Nathicana” was very well developed and it resulted in a magnificent piece of Black Metal! I feel this is one of those releases that probably failed to become bigger due to the fact that it was not correctly put out there for the people to listen to it! Music, and Black Metal is no exception, lives from the capacity people have to advertise their Art, and if your Art is not “thrown” at people, people will not know it exists. We live in a World where 64164 bands pop up every day, so…

Magan developed a very 90ies sounding EP, with all the good attributes, the great details. I love it! But I love 90ies Melodic and Symphonic Black Metal, so this would be easy me to enjoy. Overall, this is a superb EP! Excellent Black Metal, excellent musician and amazing performance.