Der Weg einer Freiheit translates to “The Way of a Freedom” and this German four-piece has incorporated that into every facet of their music. Noktvrn takes this musical freedom a step further from traditional Black metal origins and delivers a pulsing rhythmic record that feels alive and carries a myriad of emotions expressed through the various styles of vocalist Nikita Kamprad.
With the majority of clean singing being in English (2 songs) the harshness is in the native tongue which only adds to the dynamics that are “Morgen” a song that delivers their blistering blackness that is their trademark yet mutates into an inconsolable haunting piece of work.
Contemplative and introspective “Monument” delivers these emotions with a unique sound that at times can border on doom. “Immortal” is the highlight and will have you reaching for the playback button as soon as it is finished, blessed, haunted, and beautiful in its sorrow its throbbing undertone conjures the images of loneliness in the night before rest.
Noktvrn is bittersweet and demanding, yet for long-term listeners of Der Weg einer Freiheit (this is their fifth original full length) and anxious dissonance they may be found wanting … More. The record delivers on all accounts yet at times the restraint feels like it is holding them back, yet it does create a tangible feeling of tension.
Still, wildly original Noktvrn delivers Black Metal that further pushes the musical boundaries “Gegen das Licht,” with its intro and gasping finale and special mention needs to be made of drummer Tobias Schuler with his rhythms and extreme percussion. Album closer Haven feels like a sanctuary from the preceding storm.
Forever evolving and experimenting Noktvrn is a very personal record excellent in both its melody and its darkness.
Der Weg einer Freiheit: Facebook
Release Year: 2021
Label: Season of Mist
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Sparky
