CoC : Nokturnal Mortum - Goat Horns : Review

Nokturnal Mortum - _Goat Horns_
(The End, 1998)
by: Brian Meloon (8 out of 10)

Nokturnal Mortum hail from the frozen tundra of Ukraine, and play high quality black metal. Their lineup features two keyboardists, playing at the same time, but often not playing the same parts. That causes some sections to sound like three songs being played at once. Both keyboardists are very good, and mix both classical and folk influences into the music. They also use some unique instrumentation to give certain sections a distinct atmosphere. Some of the keyboards are a little too happy (think "Bal-Sagoth"), but most are consistent with the music's dark atmosphere. The songs are varied and feature some interesting changes. The playing is quite good, especially the keyboards, but all members are competent. The production isn't as clear or powerful as it could be, but it gives the music a mysterious, obscure sound. Most of the vocals are typical raspy style, but there are a few sections with clean male vocals. Unfortunately, these often aren't as effective as they could be, as they aren't very well done. Still, this is a good release, and offers promise for their next album, which is scheduled to be released this summer.

(article published 7/6/1998)

ALBUMS
2/14/2010	K Sarampalis	9.5	Nokturnal Mortum - The Voice of Steel
5/24/2005	Q Kalis	9	Nokturnal Mortum - Weltanschauung
11/29/2004	Q Kalis	7.5	Nokturnal Mortum - Twilightfall
10/14/2003	Q Kalis	8.5	Nokturnal Mortum - The Taste of Victory
8/12/2001	B Meloon	8	Nokturnal Mortum - Lunar Poetry
8/12/2000	B Meloon	7	Nokturnal Mortum - NeChrist
3/14/1999	B Meloon	7	Nokturnal Mortum - To the Gates of Blasphemous Fire