81db — Nostos Review
81db is an Italian Alternative Metal band founded in 2006. This year (2025), 81db released “Nostos,” a bold new album that once again pushes their musical boundaries while staying true to their roots.
The First Three Sins, The Summary
The Fourth Sin, Overall Discussion
(Opening) Portal Ignites
From the moment the listener presses the play, they are greeted with a powerful, sweeping instrumental opening piece, Hybris. Setting the tone with layered guitars and a build-up that pulls the listener in.
Widening the Arc
As the journey continues, with the second piece, Eastern Tango, and the remaining eight pieces, the music unfolds to offer a unique experience, blending experimental sound with alternative and theatrical storytelling. Together, they cover a wide rage of emotions and styles over a total of nearly forty minutes of music. The title Nostos — the ancient Greek word referring to a hero’s return home after a long adventure — hints at a thematic depth woven through the album. The album feels likes a story about finding oneself after many twists and turns, a journey that resonates on a personal and spiritual level.
A Tapestry of Tension & Grace
Nostos is a fruit of art, with a bold mix of sound that bridges the gap between intense aggression and artistic experimentation. It combines heavy rock, alternative metal with theatrical flair and storytelling, all infused with influences from the Mediterranean region. This isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a fresh and different experience. Each piece stands out because of it, distinct character, yet they work together to form a cohesive whole.
The recording feels handcrafted, like it was made with care and attention to detail. It’s generous, giving each instrumental room to breathe, yet it keeps the sound tight and immersive, drawing the listener in.
Strings that Speak in Tongues
Among these sounds, a notable instrumental composition and arrangement, all delivered by this floored to perfection devilmanship; Kostas guitar playing is precise and dynamic, balancing crunching, down-tuned riffs with intricate arpeggios and melodic leads. Combing aggression with melody, weaving in influences from the Mediterranean, often layering scales that add a distinct sound to the mix. Kostas also incorporates a bouzouki, a traditional Greek instrument, which adds a clear Greek flavour to the music.
This instrument’s inclusion creates a unique texture, similar to the folk influence heard in bands like Arallu, where traditional sound are woven into heavier arrangements. The bouzouki’s entrance in Eastern Tango and Argonautica isn’t ornamental — it acts as a summoning, calling ancestral spirits into the heart of the composition. Rather than blending passively, it lances through the mix like a priest’s chant cutting through incense haze.
Ambient Alchemy & Low-End Presence
Kostas doesn’t just stop there. Kostas wields ambient effects like a liturgist conjuring smoke and shadow — textures that dance around the bouzouki’s hymnal call The effects help create a sense of space and depth that pulls the listener deeper into the music. Vieri Pestelli bass lines holds down the low end with a tone that’s both warm and punchy. His bass lines don’t just follow the guitar—they often counterpoint it, adding depth and groove.
Pulse of the Ritual
Drummer Fillippo’s adds another layer of skill and energy to the album. His playing moves effortlessly from sharp, tight grooves to expansive, almost tribal rhythms that fill the space with vitality. His drum work, on Hybris and The Imposter, showcases a perfect blend of technical precision and emotional drive. The drum sound captures a natural, organic quality, sounding powerful yet roomy, making the drums feel real and visceral, adding to the overall authenticity and impact of the album.
New Voice, New Voyage
Changes in vocal style mark a turning point for the band. Moving from William Costello’s gritty, theatrical voice to Luca Giannoni’s versatile singing introduces a fresh energy. Costello’s vocals suited that band’s earlier chaotic and raw sound, full of character and rough edges. Giannoni, however, brings a smother, more versatile approach. Switching from soaring clean singing to gritty mind-range growls with ease, adding depth and emotion to every song.
Luca’s brings a new dimension to 81db’s sound. If Costello howled like a prophet possessed, Giannoni sings like a soul remembering — switching masks mid-ritual to echo every stage of the ‘Nostos’ return: the longing, the fury, the homecoming.
Myth, Metal, and Memory
Overall, Nostos is far more than a simple album. It’s a carefully crafted fruit of art journey that covers a wide range of emotions and sounds. It is a bridge across time, blending fierce energy with grace and rootedness. Likewise, it explores heritage but isn’t afraid to venture into new sonic worlds.
Nostos offers the listener ears and soul an essential, deeply satisfying experience. It challenges the listener to reflect, feel, and dive into a journey that both familiar and new. For fans of conceptual metal with heart—and an ear for detail—it’s an essential journey.
Closing: Exit Through the Gateway
Closing the album with the final piece, Jump to Hyperspace, Nostos completes its cycle. We want to give a shoutout to 81db for letting us review their album Nostos. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish
81db
Kostas Ladopoulos — Guitars, Bouzouki
Vieri Pestelli — Bass (2008–present)
Filippo Capursi — Drums (2006–present)
Luca Giannoni — Vocals (2022–present)