Titled ”Fatale”, THE NIGHT ETERNAL’s new album immediately conjures an intoxicating aura: old-school metal and hard rock, definitely dark, and yet also somehow smoother and mysterious. Dynamics play a key on ”Fatale”; while the Germans still rock hard, a keen grasp of nuance colors these nine anthems, almost purple velvet in atmosphere.
Fittingly, their already-ace melodicism bristles with an anthemic energy even when taking decidedly darker steps into the beyond. What results is a sound and style that can truly be called their own. The quintet’s aesthetic of melodic-yet-moody heavy metal with more than a hint of hard rock’s diabolical past is what makes them so enjoyable for old-school headbangers.
The way in which they take the true ’80s spirit and inject those gothic elements and play in a manner of their own is just as strong as the songwriting. Those melodies that grip the heart blend with fist-pounding glory as dynamically clear guitars and thundering bass lines ride the waves of rolling drum attacks.
‘In Tartarus’ is not only the lead single, but the opener of this record, which makes sense with its glaring majesty. The gloomy, moody guitars and dancing drums blend melancholia with gallops and those potent vocals with which the band’s sound is inseparable from come through magnificently. Little details like some rototoms and clever chord runs bring out a bright and nostalgic angle in their unique brand of metal which feels timeless, classy and powerful.
Perhaps THE NIGHT ETERNAL strongest asset is their ability to play the simplest of rocking rhythms and add layers of nuances to create something exciting that feels familiar but not recycled.
Playing off of the bombastic low end with shimmering leads creates this huge sound that really opens the album up in this huge sound-space while keeping that oppressive sense of dread that plays on the human curiosity to venture further into the night. Indeed, those who fall prey to this recording will find themselves unable to resist the urge to run wild into the unknown.
‘Prince of Darkness’ continues the album and like the opening track fills the vast open spaces around you with its quick pace, profound sincere vocal lines and melodies that call out to you from afar. Its combination of mood, passion and delicate, bittersweet notes will capture your ears in an instant.
‘We Praise Death’ starts with a hypnotic scaling guitar pattern, before you are submersed in more pulsating instrumentation. Ricardo’s vocal performance is powerful and at moments he truly digs deep shouting lines that sends a chill down your spine.
‘Ionean Sea’ feels like your in a dream state, floating though fields of stars at moments. From a galloping introduction topped with melodic harmonised metal guitars to intricate and captivating ideas that show of the bands ability to write well structured and interesting songs this is a great mid album piece.
‘Stars Guide My Way’ feels at times like a angelic, glistening voyage through endless space and time. It has that classic heavy metal feel good magic through out and because of this, it’s an album highlight.
‘Run With the Wolves’ takes you on a magnificent yet creeping adventure. This is one of those tracks where you will find moments to stomp your feet and bang your head to. Like previous songs on the album, the polished production and use of spacing and reverb makes it sound massive. There’s gothic undertones and it works perfectly for the band’s sound.
‘Prometheus Unbound’ is quite menacing and spooky at times, yet somewhat intense and dramatic with how much is going on. Mysterious and undiluted, this is evil in its purest form.
Notably, sombreness is a theme that stands strong throughout this album but its a contrast against the injections of heroic heavy metal which is a combination that makes The Night Eternal truly special.
‘The Requiem’ opens with the delicate, illustrious and dulcet tones of twanging acoustic guitar. A simple and short track that provides a thought provoking moment in an extravagant and intricately woven tapestry of an album.
‘Between the Worlds’ finishes up this truly strong album. The intro feels like its been drenched in pure Iron Maiden magic and this is not the only time this happens. With that signature Maiden drum pattern and the delicious guitar melodies it takes out the album in triumph and glory. It storms forward with great momentum before dropping off on the fast tempo. It plays on mood changes a lot. The Night Eternal are masters of blending melancholia with striking heavy metal tones and this closing song is a great example of this.
”Fatale” is a majestic, wonderful, magical and luminescent metal album. While inspired in the classic era from the genre, THE NIGHT ETERNAL forge their own path of resplendent Heavy Metal shrouded in mystique, emotionality and occultism.
Innovative and exciting but also classic, this restless opus will take you soaring above mountains and plummeting into the darkest abysses, providing a momentum that never dies and will intoxicate you throughout and give you reason to visit “Fatale” time and time again.
Highly Recommended
Tracklist:
01. In Tartarus (4:44)
02. Prince Of Darkness (5:13)
03. We Praise Death (5:36)
04. Ionean Sea (5:42)
05. Stars Guide My Way (4:27)
06. Run With The Wolves (5:27)
07. Prometheus Unbound (4:49)
08. The Reqiuem (1:35)
09. Between The Worlds (4:55)
The Night Eternal – Fatale 2023
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