Nostalgia - Fragments of a Broken Past

Nocturnal Depression material, for the most part, is very similar to itself. If you look and listen to their entire discography, you'd be forgiven for mistaking what song goes on what full-length, or demo. Their material is largely the same. Repetition on full-lengths isn't the only thing Nocturnal Depression are seemingly aiming for, no. What they want is an entire discography that sounds exactly the same the entire way through. Perhaps barring the quality of the production used on a few of the demos, everything is similar to each other. There will undoubtedly be a number of people who will instantly be put off by this recognition as it's something that doesn't appeal to everyone.


Variation and variety are the spices of life when it comes to music for most. There is a small fanbase that will enjoy the repetitive styling of Nocturnal Depression. In fact, they will probably love it and that is no overstatement. I am one of those people. I like my fair share of variety, but I also enjoy a fair amount of monotonous music. To me, it's all about familiarity. I enjoy the feeling that a band is prepared to slowly build up their songs with repetition. It's a comfort thing, I believe. Nocturnal Depression are one act that certainly know how to do this. In fact, they have mastered it and that isn't an overstatement again.


Nocturnal Depression are a driven band. They understand what they want for themselves in terms of sound, they know their limited fanbase and they know what their fanbase enjoys. 'Nostalgia - Fragments of a Broken Past' doesn't signal a change of direction at all. It's very much the same format as before. Repetition, repetition and even more repetition. Listening to Nocturnal Depression is much like learning to drive. You repeat each and every process a lot. At times, it may become tedious and frustrating, but at the end of it all, it's ultimately rewarding. 'Nostalgia - Fragments of a Broken Past' is exactly that. Another in a long line of rewarding records for Nocturnal Depression. This full-length does actually mark a significant change though. For the most part it is repeat, repeat and more repeat, but there is a distinctive change which make shock.


The use of female vocals, although not used entirely throughout, do come into play. This shows another dimension to the band. Using female vocals can portray senses of agony and other lyrical themes in very different, yet effective ways. The female vocals aren't typical of female vocalists. Usually we're, as an audience, subjected to horrid operatic vocals, but not this time. They come in the form of a beautiful voice, which doesn't attempt to out do itself, sweeping through the music soulfully. Another astonishing addition, is perhaps the use of bass.


Of course it's used throughout music, even black metal, a lot, but in this particular genre it's hardly ever heard. Instead, it's usually overpowered by other instruments. However, 'Nostalgia - Fragments of a Broken Past' signals a time when Nocturnal Depression have allowed the bass to function properly. It offers a deeper and darker sound to the music. Coupled with those agonising vocals, the audience are given a sense of familiarity. The vocals are effectively used to portray the stronger emotive side of Nocturnal Depression. The ambience of the bands music still exists and still manages to excite with ease.


The atmospheric qualities are produced through solid songwriting and good structures. Piano interludes are used as well to keep the emotion flowing like a stream. The vast array of assortments will help dampen the feeling of repetition. It keeps the music interesting when Nocturnal Depression showcase their music by over means. Other than the standard use of guitars, bass and percussion. The percussion is always the lacking element for Nocturnal Depression. It lacks heart. It produced a very hollow sound, which at times, can be quite good, but unfortunately I was searching for a stronger percussion section. It's lacking in diversity and fails to make it's mark. Other than this, 'Nostalgia - Fragments of a Broken Past' is strong and capable of holding it's own.