Artist: Nocturna
Album: Of Sorcery And Darkness
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Release Date: April 19, 2024
After the debut “Daughters of the Night,” released in 2022, which had critical acclaim, the band returned to symphonic and gothic metal to explore once again the beauty of duality and its power to haunt. And so, Federico Mondelli, mastermind of the all-Italian Frozen Crown, Volturian, and Be The Wolf, comes back to his dark vision, joined by the magical duo of Grace Darkling and Rehn Stillnight in “Of Sorcery And Darkness.”
“Of Sorcery And Darkness” surely is to boast an impressive pedigree. There can be no doubt of Mondelli’s songwriting talent, for the album seems to be elaborated with complex arrangements and constructed melodies. On voice duties through the album, Darkling and Stillnight stand out in their twin vocal attack, with celestial voices interweaving in powerful tapestries of emotion. Other tracks, such as “Burn The Witch” and “Sapphire,” showed that power, with the vocalist shifting from operatic embellishments to tender proclamations at will.
Thematically, the album treads the always-present ground of light vs. dark, with its lyrics ruminating on forbidden desires, fallen angels, and the seductive appeal of the night. This is a theme thousands have heard from artists before, but Nocturna somehow makes the lyrics sound fresh as she is herself enchanted with the art of storytelling.
Musically, “Of Sorcery And Darkness” is a maelstrom of symphonic grandiosity, galloping drums, and rampaging guitar riffs, best encapsulated on tracks like “Creatures of Darkness” and “Seven Sins“. The album’s relentless intensity is a testament to its driving energy, keeping listeners engaged throughout.
The production is at the highest level, led by top-notch Andrea Fusini (Frozen Crown, Volturian, Be The Wolf), thus assuring a crystalline and powerful soundscape. All instruments are accurately defined, and the voice really cuts through outstandingly in the mix.
“Of Sorcery And Darkness” is the type of record that warrants a home within any playlist for fans of Nightwish, Within Temptation, and Epica. The album is full of strong performances, impressive technicality, and an absolutely irresistible appeal for its hooks. However, it is the presentation and storytelling that help take it over the top.
With “Of Sorcery And Darkness,” Nocturna ultimately deliver a captivating effort that really shows their potential. If they continue to really hone their sound and continue to strive for more and more in terms of newly found creative outlets, this band absolutely has what it takes to be a monumental force within symphonic metal.
Nocturna Returns with Haunting Duality on “Of Sorcery And Darkness”
