The Night Eternal is fronted by a talented vocalist Ricardo Baum, lead guitarist Rob Richter and rhythm guitarist Henry, bassist Jones Nühlen and drummer Aleister Präkelt, who now return with the sophomore “Fatale” released on July 14th, 2023 via Ván Records. The opening track on the album “In Tartarus” is powered by galloping riffs and metallic percussion, the rhythm section breaks in with a dark infective melody and draws the listener into the beautiful composition.

As the second track, “Prince of Darkness” begins with a heavy guitar tone giving way for the rhythm guitar to venture into occult heavy metal. Sudden Goosebumps drip from the old-school riffs and the bass guitar thunders along with the drums, the theatrical manner in which the soaring vocals offer a touch of magic and add something truly atmospheric. The guitars on the other hand crafts nostalgic memories of the eighties heavy metal with a traditional touch of NWOBHM style inspired by bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Mercyful Fate.

The music has a strong persona with a flair that can sometimes be melodic and simultaneously occult which is very nostalgic, despite the modern production the songwriting has improved from the band’s previous album. The songs are prone to mid-tempo where the rhythm and leads constantly deliver hooks, the galloping rhythm in the following track “We Praise Death” pushes plenty of energetic riffing, booming bass guitar, and dramatic vocals of Ricardo Baum which never loses its charm and quality, and guitarist Rob Richter unleashing his scorching solo section, there is no denying that The Night Eternal imbibed the roots of classic hard rock and heavy metal on this album.

One unique aspect is that each track stands on its own and sounds unique and catchy, for example, “Ionean Sea” shows off the melodic direction and boasts plenty of waltzing riffs to the rumbling drums. The main riff is always powerful and balanced with rich melodies as you can hear the Iron Maiden influence. Still, it’s less overtly complex and while the changes in the riffing conjure up a certain atmosphere, this often results in multiple tempos.

“Stars Guide My Way” is one of the heaviest tracks in the album that transition to more melodic riffs but the songwriting here makes this track a highlight. Though the riffing is firm and has a certain creativity it felt to me that the songs are less varied and despite the memorability of the rhythm guitars, some riffs are influenced by thrash metal and not to mention the excellent vocals.

“Fatale” is a fantastic crossover between the 80s classic metal and NWOBHM stripped from the clichés and fillers. “Run with the Wolves” which offers some chilling heavy metal atmosphere, the riffing flows through an exhilarating tempo of infectious rhythms. The track has some powerful pounding drums, but the blending of the melodic lines and the towering vocals have a kind of anthemic feel. The Night Eternal knows how to create these spontaneous emotions throughout the album, and there are many moments when the guitars accentuate the mood. “Prometheus Unbound” contains some of the best riffing and harsher percussive style, setting up some aggressive and powerful wall of sound riffs.

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