Order of Nosferat – Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok (Review)

This is the sixth album from international, (Germany/Finland), black metal band Order of Nosferat.

I’ve had a soft spot for Order of Nosferat since discovering their vampiric brand of black metal on their 2023 split with Lunar Spells, which this year’s The Absence of Grace just reinforced. Yes, this is the band’s second full length of 2024, and across these 45 minutes Order of Nosferat have produced another corker of an album. Get ready for the second wave furious majesty of Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok!

When compared to its predecessor, Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok is built from older and colder materials. The album has a very satisfying sound, and if you are a fan of this form of atavistic black metal, then it is effortless to enjoy. The music seems possessed of an emotive darkness that’s both hostile and comforting. This is the black metal equivalent of easy listening for me – it’s harsh and aggressive, and soaked in esoteric atmosphere, yet is so steeped in authentic 90s-style old-school presence that it’s simply a joy to listen to.

The guitars are cold and fuzzy, delivered with a raw frozen bite and an underpinning melodic skill. The keyboards are immersive and layer the rest of the music with macabre depth. The drums and bass provide a foundation that power and structure the songs, allowing the music to unleash itself fully formed on the listener. Finally we come to the vocals, which consist of the sort of malefic blackened screams that are born for this style. In total, it’s a compelling package that Order of Nosferat have put together.

For a classic fix of true vampiric black metal, you can’t get much better than this. Order of Nosferat continue to impress with their timeless vision. Towards the Nightrealm of Orlok is simply a very enjoyable, very satisfying slab of old-school black metal. Out of both of this year’s releases from the band, this is my preferred one I think. It’s a great way to wind up 2024.

Very highly recommended.