Draw together former of In the Woods and you’ll be fairly sure that you have a good release on your hands. Throw in other musical talents, and there’s little chance of failure. Nattehimmel comprise brothers Christopher and Christian Botteri (bass and guitar respectively), drummer Sven Rothe, guitarist David Carter and James Fogarty (Mr Fog) on vocals and keys.
Its emotional, melancholic, harrowing. Epic Norwegian black metal that swings across mountains, forests, and hillsides. The movements are large, cinematic in pattern and sonically massive. Fogerty provides much of this with a broad range of vocal styles, his cleans at contrast with the grunts, growls and groans that pepper the songs. There’s deep, heartfelt emotion on the likes of “Realm of Hades”, with its gothic overtones and dramatic tempo changes. A similar delivery starts the real opening song “Astrologer”, but it’s quickly countered by the ferocious raging roars as the song expands.
What makes Nattehimmel a bit special is the sheer depth of their sound. The synths that add such layered balance, the switching vocal styles, the ferocious guitar work, the blistering drumming, but above all the harmony that the band create. There are some gorgeous melodies within the songs, and they all captivate, entwining their aural tendrils around the listener in a sinister manner.
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Others have said that this is the successor to the seminal 1997 In the Woods release, Omnio. I think that’s a challenging statement, given the time between records, but it’s reasonable to make the comparison. There are certainly overlaps.
Amidst the nine songs (eight plus intro “Mourningstar”), it’s difficult to pick out individual songs that stand out, for the calibre on offer here is strong. “Armies of Tiamat” is majestic, the grandiosity splendid, the sweeping movements imperious. “A Mountain of Northern Kings” is expansive, savage, raw yet complex and compelling. The echoing production provides just the right amount of atmospheric balance, the resonance of the instruments and the overall dark flavour.
Mourningstar isn’t an album to play when you need background music. It demands your attention, to envelope and cloak you in its overall delivery. Once you immerse yourself in this, then each play furnishes greater reward. Whether you view it as a succession from Omino or not, it’s album that deserves attention.
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Mourningstar is out on May 20th
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Nattehimmel: facebook | spotify
