Bringing the darkness from Germany, The Night Eternal deliver their second long player seeking a heavier, more sinister vibe. “Fatale” finds the band attempting to create their own unique sound combining solid melodies over classic era heavy metal inspired hooks. 2021’s debut “Moonlit Cross” set out their stall but this second album finds them consciously searching for a darker mood and aura.
Highly accessible and with a certain radio friendliness, opening track “In Tartarus” has a cool opening beat that sounds a little like The Cult in that it’s quickly and easily embraced but still has a gothic overtone. A quick one-two opening finds “Prince Of Darkness” following up with an urgent, driving riff with an edgy, garage rock spikiness. Just the right amount of scorn in the vocals gives it a compelling feel with an Iron Maiden meets UFO gallop which keeps the momentum high. Ricardo’s vocals are impressive. He manages the operatic, dramatic showmanship so effectively used by The Damned’s Dave Vanian mixed with The Cult’s beseeching Ian Astbury styled delivery that enhances the gothic edge of these songs and creates a sense of urgency. Tracks like “Guide My Way” have post-punk tinged sounds swathed in macabre, gothic auras which pairs nicely with the ‘80’s pop vibe of “Run With Wolves” with its’ chiming rhythm.
More traditional heavy metal sounds are found on the second half of the album. Early Slayer mixed with the added evilness of Merciful Fate give “Prometheus Unbound” an undeniable dark mood. The accessibility is still there but the overall tone has darkened further. The beautiful, acoustic guitar piece that is “The Requiem” provides the light between the shade that was used to such great effect on Black Sabbath interludes like “Orchid” and “Embryo”. The heaviness in the preceding track now bookended by closing number “The Worlds”. Militaristic riffage and galloping melodies provide the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am factor. The expected long-winded, drawn out finale doesn’t come; in keeping with the rest of the album, this is a concise, straight forward piece of heaviness.
“Fatale” is a head banger’s delight. Well crafted, tightly produced songs with old school inspiration that have been honed into commercially accessible sounds but with a sense of the macabre. Bands like Ghost have the pop sensibilities mixed into their faux occultism that has given them mainstream success. The Night Eternal take that idea but give it a grittier sound that comes across as less finessed. A sense of darkened escapism with hooks that are like ear worms are the constants on this album. Keep an eye on them…I think there will be plenty more to be heard from this outfit.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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