Album Review: Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult - Hora Nocturna
You're probably on the toilet at work reading this, or maybe hung over from the night before and looking for some tasty jams to listen to. Well, get ready because we're about to review a 2006 album by Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult in 2023! We're nothing if not ahead of the curve here at The Citadel.
You're probably wondering, "Hey, Chort, you know they have a 2019 album called Mardom that may be more suitable for this decade?". And to that, I say, "Shut-up! I pay the £19.99 fee every month for this website, so I'll review Limp Bizkit's Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water if I want."
Nevertheless, here is my review of kvlt skull crushers Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult's Hora Nocturna. This German horde unleashes a furious storm of true black metal, immersing you in a necrotic wrath that will grip you from start to finish. Hold on to your anal cavities, my fellow Citadelians, for this ride will likely void your bowels with its intensity!
If you haven’t listened to Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult their particular cauldron of scripture refers to Satanism, the occult, darkness, death, and just good ol’ evil stuff. Onielar, the vocalist and guitarist, channels an infernal fury that transcends gender boundaries. The sheer intensity that emanates from her throat (or stomach, I'm not sure where it comes from) will get you head banging.
Every strand of this dark thread is excellently executed, from the mesmerising melodies to the bone-crushing heaviness. The drums, courtesy of Michael Pelkowski, unleash a perfect storm, while the production is nothing short of amazing. It's not your basement production, so if you're looking for something so tape recorder raw, this isn't it!
The album kicks off with "Das All-Ein" a surprisingly melodic torrent that sets the stage for the tempestuous onslaught to come. The echoing vocals kick through brilliantly alongside the drums and tremolo picking. "Tempestuous Sermonisers Of Forthcoming Death" takes the intensity to new levels, leaving no room for mercy.
Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult's songwriting prowess shines through, seamlessly blending moments of catchiness with their trademark ferocity. But let's be honest; if you're here for catchy tunes, you're at the wrong Citadel (the pop version of the website will open soon, so sit tight).
"Bearer of Blackest Might" opens with a tasty riff followed by a hair-raising guttural howl that's accompanied by a change-up that is so damn tasty I had to replay it about four times. There are some really nice tempo changes and howls, and grunts on this track for all animals out there, as well as an almost militant riff repeating halfway through.
For those seeking fresh meat to nourish their black metal souls, "Hora Nocturna" is a feast of kvlt goodness. The atmospheric wailing and growling in the title track evoke a haunting presence, like a demonic Casper the Unfriendly Ghost. I wasn't sure if this was a satanic ritual mix-tape or if it was an actual song, but fuck does it ever own. Turn it up to 11 and open your windows when you listen to this one; make sure your neighbours think you're going to smear blood on their doors tomorrow. Meanwhile, "Malignant Deathcult" unleashes a berserker of rage that will leave your neck aching. These seasoned veterans know how to set you up for some serious headbanging!
Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult may not reinvent the boundaries of black metal, but they deliver the power and intensity that true fans crave. They embody the essence of kvlt, unleashing an enjoyable onslaught that will leave an indelible mark on your darkened soul. I'm sure their next album will crush just as hard, if not harder, but we'll have to wait until 2009 for that one. If you like your Marduk, Immortal, Gorgorth, or Tsjuder you'll love Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult.
Written by: Chort the Crop Infestor
“Hi, I’m Chort I infest crops and listen to Black Metal. I’ve currently invested most of my life savings into tracking down the REAL Nattramn and telling him how much I love his voice.”
