Nadja

by Chris True
 
Based in Toronto, this ambient doom/metal/electronic duo was the brainchild (and originally the solo project) of Aidan Baker. Already a prolific musician who had released a number of works with labels worldwide -- including a vast catalog of CD-R only releases -- Baker used Nadja to explore the darker aspects of his musical soul. Taking on vocalist and bass player Leah Buckareff allowed the expansion of Nadja's sound, as well as the ability to play live. Established in 2003, Nadja's early releases followed the pattern already established by Baker, that is to say a lot of CD-R limited releases, but by 2005, the duo was ready for official release, and Alien8 released that year's Truth Becomes Death. More releases followed, including EPs and collaborative efforts, and in 2007 Alien8 and Nadja released the well-received Touched. The band also built a following by opening shows for such post-metal luminaries as Ocean and Isis.