ALBUM REVIEW: Hädanfärd – Night Crowned

Blackened death metal outfit NIGHT CROWNED turned a lot of heads with their emphatic debut album Impius Viam last year and they have no intention of taking it easy. They are due to quickly follow that up with their hotly anticipated sophomore release entitled Hädanfärd which is due for release on July 9th via Noble Demon. Will this release be able to leave the same impression?

Nattkrönt gets straight to the business end with a wall of ferocious blast beats and abrasive screams which are swiftly followed by rapid riffing. Laced with intoxicating hooks the melody intertwines with aggression in impeccable fashion. Rex Tenebrae follows suit with a commanding stride, immediately immersing you in its orchestral splendour. You can’t help but be lured in by the captivating tones. The clean vocals really hit a sweet spot. Fjättrad maintains the surging energetic pace, throwing galloping drum beats into the mix. The dramatic atmospherics and varying emotions expelled through the vocal performances keep you fixated on what is unfolding.

Ett Gravfäst Öde refuses to be outshone by its counterparts as additional black metal tinges seep into the track, fascinating piano segments, ominous lead work and razor sharp screams send shivers down your spine. Hädanfärd offers up a brief pocket of thought provoking acoustic tones that are just as enthralling as the maniacal levels of heaviness experienced prior, allowing you to catch your breath for just a moment before the thundering riffing of Gudars Skymning prepares to wreak havoc once more. The monstrous grooves will certainly get your head moving.

Människans Förfall shows no signs of running out of momentum and vigour as it continues to hit just as hard. Impactful blast beats combine with savage riff work to keep this well oiled machine burning at full capacity. Grått & Ödelagt brings forth additional intensity as frenzied instrumentation runs rampant. The vocal work slickly transitions between guttural blasts and blood curdling screams to devastating effect. Last but certainly not least Enslingen ensures the unrelenting pace is sustained until the very end. This track somehow possesses the skill of providing uplifting vibes and blending them together with utter savagery, culminating in a euphoric conclusion.

Despite following so swiftly after Impius Viam it is immediately evident that Hädanfärd has been instilled with just as much fire, passion and meticulous consideration. There isn’t a single moment where this release becomes even remotely tiresome or predictable as it continues to impress at every turn and this is precisely why NIGHT CROWNED deserve to be revered as one of the elite bands in their field as well as any other for that matter.

Rating: 9/10

Hädanfärd is due for release on July 9th via Noble Demon

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