There is excitement and a buzz around new Symphonic Power Metal outfit NOCTURNA and judging from the strong sounds of their stunning debut Daughters Of The Night, it’s easy to see why. The year has barely begun and fans of the genre already have a new band to add to their music collections.
Powerful vocals, finger blistering guitar work, stunning keyboard melodies and pounding beats all work consistently well together throughout this record. The result? Stunning and dramatic tracks that will transport you away from your worries.
I have said in previous reviews multiple times that the best openings lure you in whilst packing a punch. Daughters Of The Night does this in the form of eerie instrumental Spectral Ruins and impactful New Evil.
The atmosphere of Spectral Ruins brings gothic horror stories and locations used to mind, in particular Whitby Abbey from Dracula.
New Evil is what it says on the tin, it warns us of what is lurking; this is done through bold symphonic arrangements. New Evil also gives us the first taste of the duality between Rehn Stillnight and Grace Darkling. Their powerful vocals are similar to those in CORONATUS and it works in this setting impeccably well.
Take the vocal work from SIRENIA and UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, add symphonic elements from FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, the final outcome? The title track. With these thoughts in mind, it’s easy to see why this was released as a single to promote the album.
Within moments of pressing play on The Sorrow Path, you already feel like a hero. This feeling of bravery and comradery carries on, these are emulated through the gallant song writing and soaring music.
If Brittney Slayes (UNLEASH THE ARCHERS) collaborated with NIGHTWISH, Sea Of Fire will give you a clear idea on what that would sound like. The delicate and bold melody is reminiscent of material from NIGHTWISH album Oceanborn.
Blood Of Heaven will be the track that causes the mosh pits at live shows and neck-braking headbanging. This is due to the rapid riffs and beats, with this in mind it will be that track if you need to get up and go.
In This Tragedy and Darkest Days are beautiful tracks that transport you and allow you to fully immerse. Due to the stunning and impactful melody, these wouldn’t be out of place on a SIRENIA record. If these tracks were in a film, it would be when there is a huge plot twist and two characters react to it in their own way. That’s my take on it.
It ends triumphantly on Nocturnal Whispers and The Trickster. Nocturnal Whispers is an atmospheric instrumental, the realm of Burmecia from Final Fantasy IX comes to mind when I listen to it. It provides a brilliant build up to The Trickster.
The Trickster is a playfully sinister track that keeps you on your toes. In a way, it provides that ideal cliff hanger leading to a new chapter.
Daughters Of The Night is a strong debut that will stand NOCTURNA in great stead. One important note to be aware is you will need to be prepared to headbang whenever you listen to this album. Highly recommended if you’re a fan of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, NIGHTWISH, SIRENIA and CORONATUS.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Daughters Of The Night will be out 21st January 2022 via Scarlet Records.
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