Crucify Him

I have this album released by “Blut and Eisen Productions”, which also contains four rehearsal tracks from the years 1997-1998 as bonus. Having listened to the superb “Onyx” I wasn't sure what to expect from this album since it is a couple of years older. But it didn't let me down.

The album is pure black metal reeking of atmosphere and brutality. Side A contains the new releases by Nocternity. It is close to the “Onyx” sound (or, better, the Onyx sound is close to this) with the only difference that there are no keyboards here, although the guitars give you this pleasant and epic feeling that keyboards would do. Very heavy riffs and pounding drums, fast guitars with melodic and brutal parts, blast-beats, eerie breaks and intros and furious vocals. Add to this the professional production and they all sum up to an excellent result.

Side B contains four rehearsal songs, but they sound like they are professional demo work. These rehearsal sessions show early signs that the band is going to be (if not already is) one of the biggest bands in the black metal scene. Very clean production here as well, fast riffs and melody above all. Some scarce keyboard parts add melancholy to the songs. Pure Nocternity sound. You will love them.

All in all, this album is worth every single euro cent. With releases like this Nocternity is becoming one of my all time favourite black metal bands. Ninety six points because it is really worth it.