US black metallers NIGHTBRINGER return with their fifth full-length album, Terra Damnata. In opposition to many of their fellow country mates, NIGHTBRINGER remain true to themselves and play classic Black Metal, without modern influences such as Post Rock, Shoegaze, War-, Bestial-, Greenie- and whatever rubbish is hip nowadays. Also the washy sound that can be found so often in the scene since Watain and Co. you won’t find here. No, Terra Damnata shines with a clear and powerful production yet not too polished and overdone. That kind of Black Metal that already seemed to be lost and forgotten since the glorious days of Emperor: orchestral, atmospheric and epic, without touching kitschy grounds or playing a role in a Cradle Of Borgir Punch and Judy show.
Terra Damnata is a melodic and symphonic piece of music, challenging but not too complex and overly tricky. Those, who get Emperor’s magnum opus Anthems To The Welking At Dusk in mind, are not too far away. Terra Damnata likewise offers bombast and furiousness, which reminds of the Swedish school a la Dark Funeral. The new effort is garnished with a proper part of classic music that adds a dark, mystic, even an occult touch.
The intensity and level of energy is high; the wall of sound is dense, mighty and hardly offers any breather, what might be the only point of criticism here.
NIGHTBRINGER downright crammed their songs that dynamics suffer a bit. There is a lot, really a lot going on and despite of many changes in pace, varied compositions and interludes I miss an outstanding riff, a thrilling melody or a captivating song idea.
No doubt, Terra Damnata is a strong album with hardly any blemish. Those, who miss the sounds Emperor did on their first both records should definitely try this one out.