Review by Shezma for Battle of Mice - A Day of Nights (2006)

I'm on a journey (for the Infinite) to get into Atmospheric Sludge Metal. I understand why this album is considered so, but also it really doesn't fit the mold of other ASM that I've heard. Most sludge I do not like but I am trying to give them a chance and it's been a rough go at it. This album on the other hand had the slower, darker, more emotional sounds that I didn't know that I wanted. If there are more in the genre like this I am back in. This is my first album in the challenge that I am rating and I'll see after listening to a few more if it's worth continuing forward because I don't feel I can give the genre justice as it's just not my type of tea. This album however, I can absolutely see why other fans of the genre may shy away from caring too much about. It's darker and more emotional, I want to listen to this again already but it hit my emotions too hard on first listen to want to go back and give another spin immediately.

There are quiet droning moments with bombastic metal screams and explosions of guitar and drum melodies. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, that I truly fell into and maybe enjoy is not the right term but I connected to it and had an experience. Her singing is incredible, and screams too. It may not be the most catchy or melodic album but it's like watching that movie that's not particularly good but leaves a lasting impression on you. Maybe on repeat listens the "sludgier" aspects of this will creep in and I won't be as invested but the emotional ambience is what's lingering.