Nocturna – Of Sorcery And Darkness
Reviewed by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 9
Nocturna are back with their 2nd studio album after their impressive debut in 2022 with, Daughters Of The Night. Their upcoming album Of Sorcery And Darkness continues with their symphonic/power metal elements. Led by the angelic and haunting voices of duo female vocalists Grace Darkling and Rehn Stillnight. The band featuring Hedon on guitar, Antares on bass and drummer Deimos. Also featuring the Frozen Crown/Volturian/Be The Wolf mastermind Federico Mondelli as songwriter, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. The lyrical romanticism in “Of Sorcery And Darkness” melds seamlessly with the band’s intricate soundscapes, while the ethereal vocals of Grace Darkling and Rehn Stillnight evoke mysterious and sensual imagery of a time both ancient and near.
BURN THE WITCH
“CRUCIFY EVERY LUST THAT BOILS INSIDE
KEEP IN MIND ALL THE OATHS TO REPENT
AS DESIRE BURNS BEHIND THE SACRED VEIL
I WILL LIE TO THE PRIEST TONIGHT”
The opening track, ‘Burn The Witch,’ launches the album with a robust power metal vibe, complemented by the alternating haunting and exquisite vocals of Grace and Rehn. The song is enveloped in symphonic components, yet it is replete with moments that incite headbanging. A great opener to this album.
SAPPHIRE
The 2nd track ‘Sapphire’ opens at a moderate pace, then quickly escalates with heavy guitars setting the tone. Notably, early in this track, the high, haunting notes delivered by Grace and Rehn send shivers down your spine. This song seems to blend influences from bands like Nightwish and Savatage. It serves as a powerful display of the band’s collective talent and Federico Mondelli’s songwriting prowess, which aligns perfectly with the band’s style.”
NOCTIS AVEM
The opening of ‘Noctis Avem’ is characterized by a robust symphonic presence, followed by a visceral scream that is supported by intense guitar riffs. It stands as one of the quickest songs on the album, showcasing their power metal roots and bearing a strong resemblance to the style of Canada’s Unleash The Archers.
CREATURES OF DARKNESS
“OUR SOLACE, FOR LONG DENIED
LIES IN HEAVEN’S NIGHT
AS FALLING THE BRIGHTEST KNIGHT
LUCIFER’S DEMISE
WE’RE BURNING, SONS OF THE LIGHT
DAUGHTERS OF THE NIGHT
RETURNING TO GRACE AND MIGHT”
This track is both heavy and melodic, further showcasing their mastery of power metal. The vocals are piercingly powerful, standing out as a prominent strength of the band. The music harmoniously enhances each line. It’s intriguing how such celestial voices can utter the words “Lucifer’s Demise.”
MIDNIGHT SUN
The track ‘Midnight Sun’ accelerates the pace, showcasing the harmonious interplay of dual vocals that resonate throughout the album. This track features an impressive guitar solo that tears through the melody. The song concludes with a powerful, almost thrash-like finale.
FIRST DISOBEDIENCE
In the album’s midpoint, we encounter the predominantly instrumental ‘First Disobedience’, featuring a man’s spoken words and haunting melodies, accompanied by the distant cries of hawks. Viewing the album cover as you listen to this track enhances the experience, bringing the imagery to life.
SEVEN SINS
The song begins with rapid keystrokes that swiftly transition into robust riffs and vigorous drumming, setting the stage for the vocals to make a striking entrance. The haunting quality of the vocals is so intense that it could easily shatter any nearby wine glasses. In the track ‘Seven Sins’, the keyboard layers significantly enhance the depth of the composition, complemented by more remarkable guitar soloing.
THROUGH THE MAZE
Starting off with some hauntingly like operatic vocals ‘Through The Maze” is one of the slower but still powerful tracks on the album. A more of a gothic symphonic track here again showcasing the vocal range of Grace and Rehn.
STRANGERS
The track ‘Strangers’ delivers a robust heavy power metal experience. It momentarily decelerates to showcase the keys and features vocals that are both overpowering and possess amazing melodic qualities. This song encapsulates numerous elements that define the band.
LAST DAY ON EARTH
“GRAINS OF SAND
THROUGH THE HOURGLASS, THERE ARE NO MORE STARS
BUT SPECKS OF DUST HERE ON THE GROUND.”
The final track, ‘Last Day On Earth,’ presents us with a potent semi-ballad. It begins at a slower pace, leading one to anticipate a full ballad, yet the robust symphonic elements remain an integral part of each track. It serves as an excellent conclusion to an outstanding album.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Nocturna has released a masterful symphonic/power metal album, building on their impressive debut. It’s a must-listen for fans of Nightwish, Unleash The Archers, Powerwolf, Within Temptation, and Epica. The dual female vocals are a standout feature. This album comes highly recommended.
Out April 19th on Scarlet Records Pre Order/Save HERE