#Dödsrit Nocturnal Will

Band: Dödsrit
Title: Nocturnal Will
Release Date: 22 March 2024
Country: Sweden
Label: Wolves of Hades Records
Format Reviewed: High-quality digital recording

Complex and intriguing would probably sum up this particular record better than anything. On the creative front, it is almost unbeatable. On top of it all, it is also a pleasant, rather easy listen that is guaranteed to please a wide variety of tastes. Despite all of this, the one main flaw of it is its atmosphere. Although the lyrical themes of the band are centered around grief and personal struggle, I don’t believe the music catches them as well as it could. The feel of Nocturnal Will is epic, almost positive, which would come in complete opposition with the lyrical themes, hadn’t it been for the occasional touches of melancholy. In any case, let’s delve into it.

The first thing one notices when listening to Nocturnal Will is how melody-driven it is. The riffs are extremely well composed, possessing a technicality and complexion that can be almost considered unnatural for black metal standards, even for melodic black metal. They are reminiscent more of melodic death metal in the vein of Insomnium than anything else, a trait that I found rather surprising at first listen. The vocals also draw closer to death metal, or even to hardcore and crust, with the band actually listing these particular styles as influences. Although an interesting touch, it takes time to get used to, as at times it can become more or less disruptive of the music as a whole, This being said, the vocals themselves are not bad at all. They capture the album’s lyrical essence much better than the music even comes close to, and they are also well-executed and unique. The rest of the instruments follow in the same vein as the guitars and vocals, just as intricate and varied.

The quality of the songs is also nothing to complain about. The fairly clean production, galloping epic riffs and melodies, along with the previously mentioned, careful style of songwriting will certainly not disappoint in terms of the value of the songs. They are all well-written, well thought and, of course, well-played.

In spite of all of its qualities, this album never got to me for some reason. I appreciate it, and I don’t think that I wasted my time listening to it. All in all, in my opinion, it just missed the mark. I am not a big fan of the crust elements, as I can’t see how they advance the music, and at times, they can become a moodkiller. The dissonance between the themes and the music itself also took a lot away from the experience, and I believe that the epic, upbeat elements become overused as the album progresses, despite its initial charm. I dare say, at times, they can be considered obnoxious.

In the end, Dodsrit’s Nocturnal Will is really not a bad record. Yet, I don’t believe I am the best person to describe the listening experience of it as is should. If this intrigues you, I suggest giving it a shot. You may find yourself a niche listen. 7/10 Ioana

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