Blackened heavy metal band Nite bravely chooses to persevere in times of immense darkness blasting big guitar driven grooves and epic melodies on the third full-length “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.
The title track immediately showcases the raucous heavy metal attitude of the whole album so guitars become possessed by an obscure energy to generate relentless riffs and the result is a quite catchy hymn to darkness.
“Crow (Fear The Night)” is a further confirmation of the crucial role of guitars maintaining a darkly seductive allure, certainly amplified by the ominous vocals, and proving skillful musicianship with an overdose of powerful licks.
“The Mystic” reaches a higher complexity as the brooding atmospheric nuances surround a sober series of majestic guitar melodies following a slower mystifying tempo that can make you space out.
“The Last Blade” pays homage to the glory of classic heavy metal with a massive dosage of soaring riffs effortlessly building entertaining rhythmic variations later enriched by the extra fancy guitar solo.
Listening to “Tarmut” we might fall into the depths of darkness as the rhythmic backbone acquires eerie tonalities to support the perennial melancholia of the captivating melodic guitar work ultimately leading to a masterful contemplative solo.
Under an enigmatic shroud of darkness Nite move forward to perfect their sonic formula and their proclaimed blackened twist on NWOBHM evidently comes to life throughout the moody grooves of “Cult Of The Serpent Sun”.
Category: Album Reviews 2025
The Halo Effect – March Of The Unheard
When iconic musicians that contributed to the creation of Gothenburg metal scene join forces you can expect great things, in fact The Halo Effect returns with the sophomore album “March Of The Unheard” taking another evolutionary step forward within the glorious melodic death metal realm.
“Conspire To Deceive” is filled with high octane energy as the cold rhythmic dynamics masterfully produce triumphant grooves and Mikael Stanne shows what it means to be a restless passionate vocalist with majestic growls.
In impeccable melo-death style “Cruel Perception” represents contrasting emotions effortlessly juxtaposing darkly contemplative melodic guitars and a raw rhythmic tension.
The excellent rhythmic structure of “What We Become” naturally leads to heavy unforgiving grooves complemented by visceral growls yet the most interesting elements are the deliciously darker melodic passages.
As drums often dictate a faster crushing rhythm “Forever Astray” adds some modern synths accents to the soaring guitars yet Mikael steals the spotlight with elegantly introspective clean vocals matching a moody melodic composition.
Tempo slows down on the poetic track “Between Directions” as Mikael delivers a truly poignant vocal performance that emphasizes the stylish melodic guitar work and the airy atmospheric arrangements.
“A Death That Becomes Us” focuses on a rather catchy & somber chorus and the mid tempo melodic themes can be further enhanced by the crispy guitar sound and the solemn atmospheric nuances.
The band’s chemistry here is a big deal as The Halo Effect use their talents to seamlessly blend harsh rhythmic rampages, a much needed uplifting attitude and a soothing Nordic melancholia that render “March Of The Unheard” a true melodic death metal anthem.
Wardruna – Birna
Acclaimed Norwegian world music collective Wardruna dives further into Old Norse mythology to create the majestic sixth album “Birna” which embodies a sonic & mystical journey into the woodland realms of the bear.
We enter an ancient mythical dimension as “Hertan” strengthens the old roots with a mystifying galloping rhythm and an impressive combo of traditional instruments accompanied by grand eclectic choirs.
The title track can easily hypnotize the listeners invoking the ancestral force of nature with convoluted instrumental passages that ultimately create stunning multidimensional harmonies reaching the acme with an alluring blend of diverse vocal deliveries.
“Jord til Ljos” presents rich acoustic tapestries and captivating rhythmic variations adorned by whimsical flutes and inspiring chants that sound so far away from the dreary modern world.
The pulsating rhythmic core of “Skuggehesten” showcases a darker & heavier attitude around the quasi harsh vocal delivery and the eerie elegance of the strings can induce a trance like state.
Within the otherworldly dimension of “Tetrale” emotions run free as a sophisticated melodic essence takes the center stage enriched by detailed atmospheric arrangements ultimately leading to a cathartic rhythmic crescendo.
To courageously venture into the depth of a magical forest we follow the evocative chants of “Lyfjaberg” as the atmospheric gloom and the tribal rhythm seamlessly entwine to generate a solemn soundscape.
Dedicated to the warden of the forest “Birna” always feels like a mesmerizing dialogue with nature as Wardruna, guided by the creative wisdom of Einar Selvik, carefully weave intricate atmospheric and acoustic progressions sincerely celebrating their fascinating Norse folklore.
You must be logged in to post a comment.