Search - Abigor :: Nachthymnen

SOLID AND COMPETENT BLACK METAL FROM OSTEREICH!!!

Gûm-ishi Ashi Gurum | New York, NY United States | 02/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Before their boring and tepid "Supreme Immortal Art," Abigor never failed to release some powerful and competent black metal. "Nachthymnen" was noted by some as an almost commercial venture by Abigor as it delved further into the realm of melody and listener accessibility than their first two releases. However, these same critics of course conceded that it was a strong release from one of the best and most respected bands in the black metal scene (at the time). Thus I would recommend "Verwustung/Invoke the Dark Age," "Orkblut - The Retaliation" or "Opus IV" over this album initially for more brutal and evil releases but this is definitely a keeper as well.As stated before this is more melodic fare, sometimes exploring moody and melancholic emotions as opposed to pure hate. There is a still A LOT of aggression here, especially when compared to most of what passes for "black metal" today, whether it be boring Norsecore or lame and wimpy gothic influenced nonesense. There are actually female vocals on this release, but they are used quite well and only on a couple of songs. Song structures range from chaotic to flowing but are always executed with proficiency and are never boring. Abigor are one of the few bm bands that can be tight and well-produced yet still maintain what is necessary for good black metal. (Emperor failed to do this, they were MUCH better when they were actually Satanic and not worried with technicality).Overall a strong, competent and highly enjoyable release. When I call this melodic, I do not mean to suggest that it is wimpy in any way. However, the other three Abigor albums I mentioned are preferable to this. (And if you want something REALLY brutal, sloppy and angry as HELL than get "Apokalypse", which is basically Darkthrone filtered through Abigor and a case of Satanic beer).Recommended for almost all black metal fans and metal fans in general. Proficient and enjoyable....."

Their best album, hands down...

Gûm-ishi Ashi Gurum | 04/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"And also their most creative, their most melodically brilliant and beautiful. This is one of the best black metal albums ever recorded. Just buy it already, it's a legend."