If Robert Johnson made a pact with the Devil at a crossroads in rural Mississippi, the name Adam Darski was probably in the fine print. Better known as the mighty Nergal of Behemoth, Darski has again stepped away from the chaotic sounds of his primary outfit and into the murky waters of his dark folk, blues influenced solo project, Me and That Man. A project set to release its third, full-length studio album ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Sh*t, Vol.2,’ set to drop November 19 via Napalm Records. In which the contrast to Behemoth’s extreme metal sounds suggest none of the same sh*t whatsoever. This record being its own beast entirely.
A sequel to ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Sh*t, Vol.1’, once again Darski enlists an enthralling roster of heavy metal guests including Gary Holt (Slayer, Exodus), Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) and Amalie Brunn (Myrkur) to name but a few. Opening track “Black Hearse Cadillac ‘ whose haunting vocals from Hank Von Hellm, and guitar sorcery by Anders Odden (Cadaver), burn a sinister brand of smoky, gothic blues into the albums opening grooves. Venture deeper into the accursed tones of Darski’s infernal journey and songs such as “Witches Don’t Fall in Love.” featuring Kristoffer Rygg, highlight the Lovecraftian storytelling underscoring this, and other tales of horror and romance.
If one moment captures the heart of ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Sh*t, Vol.2’, from which its pulse is born and ripples throughout, it is “Angel of Light” featuring Amalie Brunn, better known as Myrkur. In no rush to go anywhere, ‘Angel of Light’ conveys enormous power despite being a delicate piece, like that glimmer of light in even the blackest of churches. “Goodbye” featuring Alissa White Gluz (Arch Enemy) and Devin Townsend is another offering that takes no effort to wholeheartedly embrace. An arrangement that yields rewards with no small thanks to Gluz who brings to life this doomed yet silken ballad that beckons you.
If an unrelenting tension comes with listening to Behemoth, like holding a breath so long your lungs ache, in the exhale and letting go that follows is where we might find Me and That Man. The coin’s opposite yet interconnected side. A side project which debunks any notion that these collaborations were even remotely informal. With ‘New Man, New Songs, Same Sh*t, Vol.2’ Darski sends an open call to anyone, artist or fan, willing to venture away from what they think they know about Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski. Join him in his ongoing journey through uncharted waters. A journey as rich and curious as it is wildly captivating.