Black Beast – Nocturnal Bloodlust

Black Beast

Nocturnal Bloodlust

by "Der Bärtige Mann" Gareth Beams at 25 October 2019, 12:06 AM

This is the band’s first full length album after previous releases of the EP “Black Beast” in 2005 and the Split with BLOODHAMMER “Unholy Finnish Black Horror Union” in 2006. BLACK BEAST have been described as an old school Black Metal band with lots of 80’s Thrash Metal influences. The band’s main man - Infernal Tormentor Necrocorpse von Demonblood runs the Primitive Reaction label that all albums have been released.

“Black Seremony” starts off from where the “Prelude” leaves, the “Prelude” itself had a good build up and is relative to the album, I never see why they have a pointless intro. Clearly not the case here. This song has a steady melody in a sense of balance. It keeps its pace up well. It has the raw and coarse vocals, which work very well. They don’t try to make the vocals unlistenable, which is always a bonus. As a whole, the band plays to strengths of each other. The melody compliments the vocals well. The ending is frantic and frenzied, but works so well.  It is a great opening (non-Intro) track to the album. So far, so good.

“Riding on Wings of Death” doesn’t back either. It keeps up the intensity well. It is in similar stance to the previous song with its approach, but also has the DARKTHRONE vibe on Thrash styles. It’s another great song. Its short, its fast, it’s simple, its effective. Seems like a filler song instead of letting it flourish, but it’s perfect for that.

“Your Cold Grave” keeps up the vibes the album has set so far. The buildup is amazing, similar to old school IMMORTAL, which as a Black Metal fan is given as a compliment. That being said, the band has its own sound, its own vibes. These guys know how to create their sound and how to help one another top their abilities.

“Unholy One” creeps in with the trash styles formed into Death Metal. It is a great sound to start. The vocals are somewhat in the background, but it works as they can still be heard and appreciated. It is a slower song, but it’s controlled very well. The balance is there at all times. You get from the start that this song won’t kick off, but you understand it is still a great song. More like how EMPEROR used to have their style. Which again is True Black Metal in every form

It is clear that the band looks for influences from the 2^nd Stage of Black Metal bands like EMPOROR, IMMORTAL and DARKTHRONE. Let’s be honest, what Black Metal band who arrived after those guys, don’t? You never feel it’s a tribute style, it is their own and it works so well. Many Black Metal fans will enjoy this album and I look forwards to listening again. Such a great album! I hope these guys keep up the good work.

Songwriting: 9
Originality: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 9