Echos In the Dark: The Unseen Impact of Nocturnal Depression

Nocturnal Depression is definitely one of the most underrated black metal bands as we know it. If you are in the black metal scene, you will definitely know of Nocturnal Depression. But if you're not, then this band has definitely gone over your head before. Most people think of Mayhem, Burzum, or Darkthrone. All great bands, but if someone were to ask me to show them a black metal band. Nocturnal depression would definitely be up there. Defined by their "Depressive Black Metal" sound. Their melodic riffs and use of clean guitar tones. Both in distortion and clean sounds. It is definitely a good intro in my opinion.

The band formed in 2004 by lead guitarist and vocalist Lord Lokhraed. With his bandmate, multi-instrumentalist Her Suizid. Lord Lokhraed is known by his hand where he was born with only two fingers. Still this was no obstacle in his way to be able to write guitar riffs with Her Suizid. Who in the beginning added some guitars, bass, and drums. From here they took off with the incredible release of two demos that same year Suicidal Thoughts and Near the stars. Immediately, you can tell they knew exactly what sound they were going for. Existential despair, the brooding feeling of hopelessness, dark atmospheric sounds in the background, and beautiful screeching vocals.

In 2005 they released two more demos "Soundtrack of a Suicide" and "Fuck Off Parisian". Further mastering the topics and emotions they want to evoke from their listeners. Starting with a clear and clean tone. With only the guitar being heard. Playing a river of minor chords that brings thoughts of yourself and the world into your mind. To hearing the clean tone of the bass. Until the drums do a fill. Then... BOOM! Distorted rhythm guitars and a slow drums smashing the crash symbol. A screeching lead playing along with the vocals. This is them setting up a certain recipe for their coming work. Not only that every lyric has significant meaning. It's not written with the intent to be super dark, gruesome, or gory. Which can be fun but serves a separate purpose. No, this is personal. Lyrics that are written to convey a message from the band but also yourself. Holding a personal element of yourself to every song. Each song is a personal reflection of yourself and everything around you.

As time went on they released their first album "Nostalgia -- Fragments of a Broken Past", and "Four Seasons to a Depression" in 2006. I can go do in in-depth review about all the albums later. But here you can sense the band going to another level. The second track of the album "Nostalgia" called "And Fall the February Snow". The song opens with an intense distorted guitar but soon underneath a soothing, melodic clean guitar riff comes in. Aligning with the bass line and the vocals. May I add that the vocals don't just seem like growls and screams. It's much more than that. There is actually phrasing, timing, and a melody. Aligning with the rest of the instruments which I find even more impressive. Also they use atmospheric sounds like rain, winds, and the sound of pouring snow. Which not only gives a feeling of emotion to the song but helps you envision a place. A place of your own solitude and thoughts. Somewhere only you can create for yourself. A certain place you can only go to and think. That is something special.

Throughout time they release album after album. Getting better at their sound and still breaking boundaries. From their 2015 album "Spleen Black Metal", Nocturnal Depression incorporates classic instruments like violins, cellos, which adds even another layer to their sound. Almost adding a sense of regalness(meaning majestic, dignified) to their music. My point is that what Nocturnal Depression is able to do that most bands aren't. Is to take you somewhere. Both mentally and physically. That's why I do think Nocturnal Depression is criminally underrated. Into metal or not, I strongly recommend you give them a try. If you are into metal and want to get into other subgenres. Then they are a must to listen too. Get ready, to get brought to a certain place not only your heart. But also your psyche.