In “Cold Waters of The North”, the listener is treated to Iermini’s impeccable bass chops and Oliver Niemann’s warped guitar solo that leaves the listener desperately grasping for anything to hold on to. In “Wake The Dead”, Iermini’s wizardry drives the listener to a mental breakdown, scratching at the walls inside their mind, begging to be let out. Fingers are now red and raw. At this moment, the listener has two choices. They can submit to relentless passion or become the victim of insanity.

The penultimate track, “Bestill”, is the eye of the storm. You hear the eerie playing of the bass, and the drums remind the listener that they have one more level to go. Here, the listener is given some time to process the tumultuous trip they are experiencing. This brief tranquil period will prepare them for the next, and final, track “Lizard City.” This song, at over 18 minutes long, is epic. About three-quarters of the way through, the lead guitarist Niemann creates a sound reminiscent of rain droplets falling in perfect harmony, echoing throughout space. It’s evocative of the emotionally intense Jimi Hendrix song “One Rainy Wish” and includes a droning background sound that elevates the trippy atmosphere and concludes the album.

No Mind Volume 1 is worth a listen.