ALBUM REVIEW: The Night Eternal – Fatale

Germany’s brooding Heavy Metallers THE NIGHT ETERNAL are back with their second full length album. Set for release via Ván Records on July 14th.

“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 bands sound is inseparable from come through magnificently. Little details like some rototoms and clever chord scapes bring out a bright and nostalgic angle in the bands unique brand of Heavy Metal which feels timeless, classy and powerful. 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 here as on the previous EP and LP, which are both excellent releases. 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. Rejoice, The Night Eternal are back on top form.

The combination of deeper, sombre moods with soaring and triumphant moments contrast each-other beautifully to give a potent and profoundly exciting blend of feelings that are conveyed with music that is nothing short of magical. Like an eerie summons to the dark spirits, each songs is imbued with a sense of genuinely electrifying mysticism, dedicated to the forbidden paths. Although the archaic Heavy Metal laws are obeyed to the fullest, with no weak elements in their chain-shattering attack, The Night Eternal are not a band to follow in another set of footsteps by any means. Each vocal line is delivered with such a chilling passion that will linger to haunt you long after the record ends, writhing in spiritual anguish to a sublime sonic backdrop. It is a rare thing that a Heavy Metal band can be tearjerking in a proudly emotive way without sacrificing the savage and wild spirit of the genre, but The Night Eternal achieve this to some of the most convincing effectiveness I have ever heard.

Perhaps the bands 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. Prepare for a feast of luscious sonic magic that is the epitome of craftsmanship, The Devil’s music rings out in eternity for those who seek it in its undiluted form. That is what is presented to us here.

A majestic, wonderful, magical and luminescent return from The Night Eternal. Continuing to 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.