Review THE NIGHT ETERNAL ‘Fatale’

Essen-based The Night Eternal belong to the rising starts in the current times. The first time The Night Eternal appeared on the scene was in 2019 when the guys released a self-titled EP. With the pandemic ahead, the timing wasn’t perfect, and it speaks to the willpower of the band to bit through. Commitment and dedication are the keywords, and the mindset helped the group to release a full-length debut called ‘Moonlit Cross’ in 2021.

With ‘Fatale’ the sophomore longplayer hit the shelves and it would be fatal if fans of darkened metal would miss this record. The new record picks it up where the band left off with ‘Moonlit Cross’. It’s a thundering blend of rock and metal which blasts out of the speakers.

‘In Tartarus’ is the diabolic opener that opens the gate to the underworld, followed by the excellent ‘Prince of Darkness’. The latter is a 5-minute epic that lives by the expressive vocals of frontman Ricardo who gives each of the songs a thematically depth. Together with a galloping rhythm and the great guitar work of lead guitarist Rob Richter and rhythm guitarist Henry, ‘Prince of Darkness’ acts as a blueprint for the sound of The Night Eternal.

Atmosphere and traditional heavy metal, that’s what ‘Ionean Sea’ provides. The spirit of the NWoBHM shimmers through and it is the dark spirit that strings things together. The melodic ‘Run with the Wolves’ is another song you shouldn’t miss followed by the blistering ‘Prometheus Unbound’. This untamed metal anthem is a true highlight on an album that contains no filler.

The acoustic interlude ‘The Requiem’ heralds the final chapter of this well-crafted release. ‘Between the Worlds is this last song on the album and it fits perfectly, context-wise and when it comes to positioning on the track listing. The rhythm-driven masterpiece is the perfect closing track. Atmospheric and with a very solid punch the track shows the entire spectra of The Night Eternal’s sound.

The Night Eternal created an own trademark sound that spreads a cold breeze of darkness while at the same time wraps the listener into a warm blanket of melodic guitar riffs. With having accomplished such a musical identity and considering the potential that comes with the band, the future must be right for the knights of darkness from Essen, Germany.