Now I’ve Done It, or NiDi
as they like to be called, is not the sort of band you can place neatly
into one corner of the metal world. Born in Philadelphia in 2010 from the minds
of lifelong friends Peter Hraur and Dan Reynolds,
the band was always about shaking up expectations. Their first demo,
“Rigamarole,” already hinted at chaos with purpose: dramatic, heavy, playful,
sometimes absurd, always energetic. Over the years, NiDi
became a local cult favorite, known for turning shows into theatrical
happenings, with stages full of swing-driven riffs, headbanging passages, and
humor that never undermined the music. With “An Ill Guest,” their debut
full-length, the duo finally steps out of the local scene into something far
stranger and more ambitious.
The album’s
ten tracks are like a wild carnival of styles crashing into each other.
“Disillusion” sets things off with a long-form introduction that zigzags
between progressive metal and swing, constantly shifting gears without warning.
“Dilly-Dally” lives up to its title, bouncing between tongue-in-cheek rhythms
and more dramatic metallic passages. By the time you hit “Collywobbles” or
“Kindling,” it’s clear that NiDi is all
about pushing the listener into unexpected territory.
The
production by Peter Hraur keeps everything
vibrant and a little raw. This isn’t an album smoothed over for mass
consumption, and that’s part of its charm. There’s a sense of spontaneity
throughout, as if the songs were recorded mid-laughter, mid-argument, or
mid-manic brainstorm. The artwork, painted by Eliran
Kantor, ties the whole package together with its surreal, slightly
unsettling imagery, matching the music’s mood of mischievous chaos.
At its best, “An Ill Guest” is unpredictable fun. It’s easy to get swept along by the energy and strangeness, to enjoy the mix of humor and heaviness without worrying about where the next twist will land. At times, though, the sheer variety can work against it. Some tracks sprawl longer than they need to, others bounce off in directions that don’t always land with the same impact. It’s a record that thrives on personality and risks, and while not every idea sticks, the overall ride is worth taking. For a debut full-length, “An Ill Guest” is exactly what you’d expect from a band like NiDi. Daring, chaotic, and unashamedly strange. It might not satisfy everyone, but for those looking for something off the beaten path, it offers plenty to chew on. Absolutely insane band and album.
Score: 8.5
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