CoC : Nocturnal Winds - Everlasting Fall : Review

Nocturnal Winds - _Everlasting Fall_
(Aftermath, 1999)
by: Alvin Wee (8 out of 10)

This is by no means a new album, but no doubt due to typical postal service screw-ups, we only received this in time for this issue. A tip of the hat to Mr. Holm at Aftermath for this one. Nevertheless, it's the music that counts after all, and on this piece, Gothenburg debutantes (oops, they're Finnish are they?) Nocturnal Winds churn out 45 minutes of impressive fretboard acrobatics. While I may avoid most Gothenburg acts like the plague, Nocturnal Winds actually manage to whip up an interesting whirlwind of highly melodic, almost rock 'n' roll riffs with the flair of a band with two demo tapes behind them (uncommon by today's standards). Tracks like "Frost Divine" and "Son of the Winterstorm" boast twin guitar attacks and incendiary solos that manage to keep proceedings exceedingly lively, and despite my reservations, I found myself tapping my feet not five minutes into the first track. "My Angel" opens with an outstandingly memorable lead, flowing into a brilliant interplay of guitars and Jani's searing vocals. Great work, and impressive even in the deluge of new melodic death bands, if only for the band's impeccable ear for melodies. While nothing incredibly groundbreaking, this album belongs back in the early '90s, when it could have made a much greater impact on the scene than today. A great release anyway, that shouldn't be missed by fans of the style. Await a new album from these boys soon, I'm told.

Contact: ruholm@online.no (Aftermath)

(article published 25/5/2000)

ALBUMS
13/5/2001	A Wee	8.5	Nocturnal Winds - Of Art and Suffering