Nightwind: The Conqueror from the Stars

With less than a calendar year's gap, Moonlight Sorcery have returned for another bout of melodically tinged black metal, armed with a more aggressive looking product thanks to the wonderful cover art, again courtesy of Forestrolli. I'd been firmly impressed by Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity, with the Finns having an earmark in my book under the chapter, "Bands to Watch." Presented upon Nightwind: The Conqueror from the Stars are four more offerings to the black metal pantheon, so let's mash that play button and hear what Moonlight Sorcery have in store.

No introduction or pleasantries, and let's be real, who's expecting it with a song named 'Ancient Sword of Hate'? A grand volume swell paves the way for a steamroller barrage of seismic riffing and Ruttomieli's strong howls. The overall mix feels airy and distant, almost at odds with the propulsive hammering of the band. As the song opens up, it evolves into a style not too dissimilar from Kalmah, with a very even keel to the melodic guitars and tantrum-like rhythms. With the mix already doing its best to draw venom from Moonlight Sanctuary's bite, it feels like the tempo and overall attack are somewhat tame by comparison to their previous EP, which at first blush didn't cut the mustard. Thankfully, 'Yötuulten Kutsu' blows the lid off with higher tempos and a more passionate performance; Ruttomieli sounds truly agonized during the apocalyptic moments of the song, and the more imposing nature of the composition and delivery is appreciated. The opening riff is a tough customer, and the heroic guitar soloing that made Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity such a treat is absolutely present, if a little further back in the mix.

With 'Constellations' I legit had to do a double take and ensure I hadn't somehow ended up with a Virtuocity album playing, as those neo-classical motifs would absolutely have the Jarno Keskinen seal of approval. A seven-minute instrumental doesn't come across as the best use of nearly half an EP; it's well played, for sure, although I didn't find much value in it. At best, it conjures imagery of Malmsteen in corpse paint composing for a Castlevania game. I would have liked some vocals on this; it really could have further distinguished the song. As it stands, it would have been better saved as filler for a full-length album. Nightwind closes out with a cover of Agatus' 'Black Moon's Blood' which is already a bit of a banger, and Moonlight Sorcery absolutely do it justice. I love Ruttomieli's opening scream, fucking blood curdling like someone has practiced the most savage of torture techniques on a young Tom Araya. The addition of icy keys could be viewed negatively by purists, although I'd say it keeps in check with what Moonlight Sorcery are about, an ace cover all said and done.

I've gone through this one more than a few times and have continued to land at the same conclusion: half of this EP is verging on filler, and to be fair, the band has demonstrated how capable they are both on their previous EP and in the stronger moments in Nightwind. The pieces were in place to put out a rager EP here, and it just doesn't feel fully realized to my ears. Dropping a seven-minute neo-classical instrumental ain't it; props for the sweet Agatus cover, though. I think if you enjoyed the latest from Stormkeep or Vargrav, then this is absolutely worth a listen, although I'm not promising a lasting impression. Black metal collectors will want this, and that artwork will look great on 12", although I can't think of many reasons to revisit the music contained within.