Nyktophobia – To The Stars
Release Date: 5th July 2024
Label: Independent
Bandcamp
Genre: Melodic Death Metal, Atmospheric, Blackened Melodic Death Metal.
FFO: Wolfheart, early In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Insomnium, Dissection, Amon Amarth.
Review By: Rick Farley
As far as I am concerned, the melodic death metal that came out of Sweden in the mid to late nineties, was one of the greatest time periods in metal history. The triumphant melodies, twin guitar harmonies and shrieky harsh vocals were a cornerstone in the genres sound and to this day are still a major influence on newer, younger bands. Now, obviously, the genre became oversaturated with At the Gates worship and ended up as kind of a bastardized version of melodeath. My opinion of course, but the Americanised version in the early 2000s is not exactly my favourite style of music by, like, a lot. So, it is quite easy to blow past any band labelled as Swedish influenced melodic death metal. Thankfully, in this case, I did not do that.
When a band gets that time period’s sound exactly right and still is able to set themselves apart without any “core” in its sound, well, you have my full attention.
German band Nyktophobia formed in 2015 is a genre purists dream come true, remaining faithful to the essence of Scandinavian melodic death metal while bringing their own majestic voice to the large table. Full of intricate songs with deep atmosphere and mystical feelings that you get when those glorious melodies run through your veins. The vibes from those old records shine through, and this record becomes more than just something to listen to. Harsh and extreme, but also incredibly soulful and profoundly inviting.
To The Stars is the bands fourth full-length studio album, following 2020s stellar What Lasts Forever, which was received in high regard by the underground metal community. Like most melodic death metal, To The Stars is very guitar driven, pushing everything forward. The powerful riffs are crisp, and linear, while the melodies are spirted and infectious. There are dark undertones with melancholic atmosphere that balances everything out from being overly aggressive. Synths in the background ramp up the majesty of the entire soundscape, while blasting and double bass keep up the intensity and pace. It is truly an incredible balancing act that this genre has done especially well since the very beginning. The vocals range from coarse, lower toned yells to raspy highs.
To The Stars musically and vocally is one fluid movement with a firm grasp on dynamics ranging from emotionally charged, to tastefully brutal and back again.
Recorded at Sandlane Recording Facilities in Rijen, Netherlands and mixed and mastered by Sweden’s illustrious Fascination Street Studios. To The Stars sounds massive in scope. Modernly produced with glass like clarity without sounding overproduced. The intricate guitarwork of Charon Gate shines through brightly. The speedy drums pound at your chest and the vocals are brutal yet clear. The sombre piano passage of Progenitor with angelic synths soaring overtop is rich and full of magnetic warmth before it explodes into controlled chaos. The slightly blackened fury of Millenium is polished, yet punishing, while its melodies are layered over beautifully. This is a record that sounds as good as it is executed and written.
Nyktophobia is releasing what possibly could be the melodic death metal album of the year. You would be hard-pressed to find anything in this genre at this level of good, without pulling out the older records. To The Stars is for those of us who miss that time period but still want a little freshness to go along with it, and if you are a newer fan, hopefully this will inspire you not only rock this album but also check out the classics. Do not hesitate on this.
(4.5 / 5)
