Nocturnal Depression – Perpétuelle éclipse
Band: Nocturnal Depression
Album: Perpétuelle éclipse
Label: Ars Macabra Audio
Release Date: September 26th, 2024
Country: France
Format reviewed: High-quality digital recording
Nocturnal Depression is undoubtedly one of the most prolific acts in DSBM, having recently released their tenth full length album, Perpetuelle Eclipse in late September this year. And, as you all probably have figured, it did not disappoint. The record is incredibly well put together from start to finish, the songwriting is top tier, and the sorrowful atmosphere hits right where it needs to. Listen to it in the background of a walk on a rainy day and you’re set with the mood of the whole week, to put it simply. It really doesn’t matter if you’re into DSBM or not, if you find yourself enjoying black metal, then you’re very likely to enjoy this record, as it has some more dynamic elements which make the music more engaging, particularly when compared to something like a Begotten or Wedard. Thus, let’s dive into it.
“Waltzing Among Graves” opens up the album, and even from the first riff, the unshakeable feeling of sorrow that defines the album appears in full display, amplified by the intensity of the drums, and the almost gothic dramatism of the vocal performance. The riffs themselves come off as very fierce sounding, despite the dominant emotional aspect, which makes the song overall feel more hateful than depressing. The whole composition just reeks of misanthropy, capturing the disdain towards the world and people in its rawest, most real manner. There is also a hint of madness to be found in the music, which is, in my opinion, the product of the melodic approach and frequent tempo changes, all of which bring out that “waltz-like” motif present within the title.
“When My Time Has Come to Die” came as a little of a surprise in terms of sound at my first listen, as it tones down the hatred of “Waltzing Among Graves”, and instead going for a more hopeful, although still bleak, atmosphere. The drumming is less complex, going for simple blast beats, which blend in beautifully with the guitar harmonies and howling vocals. There is an undoubted air of nostalgia embedded within this song. When I first heard it, although it came off not as hopeless as its predecessor, it made me feel seriously melancholic, in a way very few songs managed to before. It sounds very final, as the title would suggest, but also very peaceful. There’s no distress in in, just a bizarre sensation of being at peace with whatever ill fate you’ve been served.
Things start becoming darker once again with “Self Murdered Woods”. Remember that idea of hope I mentioned? Well, it’s out of the window. The rhythm is much slower, the riffs come much closer to the slow, repetitive patterns that have become the trademark of DSBM over the years, and the vocal performance is nothing short of anguished. The slow pacing in particular plays a strong role in shaping that classic depressive mood of the song. Everything feels agonizingly slow, stretched to a painful degree, reflective of the state of mind that defines depression as a disorder. Despite the simple composition, the range of emotions this song portrays is nothing short of impressive. It captures everything from the fear of watching your life turn darker and darker, to that ever familiar sensation of ever present emptiness, of being alive yet not truly living. It is an unforgivingly personal piece, that doesn’t shy away from portraying anything.
“Perpétuelle éclipse” manages to achieve the impossible, taking the elements of its predecessor, and taking them over the edge to what becomes a track filled with sheer agony, that becomes more and more apparent, as the wails of the vocalist take over from the start of the song. The riffs seem to be drifting in and out of focus throughout the song, held together by the slow rhythm that gives the impression of a heartbeat. Together with the bone chilling vocal performance, the song comes off as a lament of sorts. It’s giving the impression of someone just waiting to die, tired of fighting and struggling, just waiting. There is a type of gloom present, which presses down on the listener, making the music feel almost claustrophobic at times. This paired with the occasional guitar interludes, create an authentic loneliness that can’t be properly put into words.
“Endless Slumber” seemingly shakes off the slow pace, going for a songwriting style similar to “Waltzing Among Graves”. This also brings about the return of those subtle gothic motifs that made the first two tracks such earworms. However, it still has its fair share of slow, bleak elements blended within the structure, balancing out these two musical ideas. This also signifies the end of the album approaching, thus here, and on the last track in particular, there are plenty of elements from previous songs that, when put together, create a sense of completion and unity. What I find most appealing about this song, however, is the guitar solo. It’s not very complicated, but it is so well placed and connected to everything else, that it inevitably creates a sort of climax within the song, which comes crashing down into a fast and fierce ending.
Closing the album there is “Footprints in the Dust”. Trust me when I say, this is as depressing and despair ridden as this album gets. With an intro bearing an eerie resemblance to Silencer’s “Sterile Nails and Thunderbowels”, you know you’re in for something that’s going to hit you hard. The claustrophobia of this song is overwhelming, and stays with you long after the song is over. There’s also a layer of nostalgia that floats over everything, like some sort of ominous presence. Perhaps the best way to put it is that, simply, it makes you sad, truly, painfully sad, down to your last cell. Yet, it is also calming, in a twisted way. It leaves with some sort of macabre peace, and, I dare say, a clear mind.
Thus the journey through Perpétuelle éclipse ends. The conclusions that are left? I invite you to find your own, as I believe that mine’s is clear. 10/10 By Ioana
Band
Bandcamp
Deezer
Facebook
MySpace
Spotify
Tidal
YouTube
10/10 Immortal Classic
**Please support the underground! It’s vital to the future of our genre**
#WeAreBlessedAltarZine
#TheZineSupportingTheUnderground
