This is the second album from US one-man black metal band Alghol.
Night Eternal contains 40 minutes of second wave black metal, delivered with an authentic skill and passion that’s raw and honest. It’s also catchy and moreish as all Hell.
The well-written songs betray an obvious love for the style, and also an understanding of the ingredients that made some of the 90s black metal bands so enjoyable. As such, Night Eternal is packed with hooks, from gripping melodies to grim riffs to classic harsh screams to synths that don’t stop. All of the requisite parts are here, and the artist behind Alghol knows exactly what to do with them.
The songs marry blackened aggression with frozen atmosphere, combining choice riffs with rich melody and creepy synth enhancements, (the latter reminiscent of Windir, in places). The artist has a talent for writing these parts and fitting them together effectively. There are a number of very catchy moments across Night Eternal, around the riffs and synths in particular. You can pick almost any track here, but Into Untold Evil is a great example of one of Alghol’s songs that’s simply designed to stamp itself on your mind and absolutely refuse to leave.
Okay then, for fans of Immortal, Dissection, Windir, and Satyricon, Night Eternal is one that you must listen to. I fail to see how it couldn’t appeal, as it’s vision of old-school black metal is just so well-realised.
Very highly recommended for fans of the traditional style.
Wonderbox Metal 