So Nocturne is a one man black metal band from Chicago. Sir Dan Klein plays all the instruments and sings vocals. And the boy from the Midwest does a damn fine job of putting it all together. Maybe it’s because I myself am from the same region, but I can really feel what this album has to say. It even feels like the frigid winters we have for 6 months out of the year. (No lie, we got 9 inches of snow on May 1st).
With lyrics of sorrow, pain, anger and the like, Ave Noctem isn't an album whose linear notes you’d want to sit and read on a lonely night. Keep the razorblades hidden please. But musically there is a vast span of genres. Lead off track ‘Pursuance of the Righteous Elucidation’ is a swirling mixture of black metal and death metal that at times feel like it might come unhinged but manages to stay intact. The desperate sound that covers this whole album is really good. I found myself just letting the album repeat a few times because it grew on me. Tracks like ‘Pain of Purity’ and ‘Anxiopath’ have a bit of a classic metal feel to them at parts. There’s a progression in the music that you wouldn't normally hear from this type of music. I also hear bits of Maiden-esque rhythms and guitar tones at times. It may sound like a confusing mix, but it’s pulled off well. And you can tell that Mr. Klein has put his time and effort into this record; never too clean but always covered in a nice layer of dirt and grit.
I’ll be honest: On first listen I only liked one song. But I let it go again. I heard some promise. The second time around I started tapping my feet to the beats and moving my head a bit. Third time around I loved it. This album is a grower; it will take a listen or two. But you’ll eventually hear the melding of black and death metal laced with despair and angst, and you’ll be banging your head too. By my fourth listen I wanted to go outside, start a fire and slam beers with my crew. Maybe not the reaction you’ll get, but to each his own.
You can get Ave Noctem through Do Or Die Records right now as you are reading this. Well maybe once you stop. Either way, check this shit out, you won’t regret it.
