Since its glorious inception in 1991, the Greek melodic blackened death metal outfit Nightfall conveyed a unique standard of melding the dark melodies of Hellenic trademark into their music. Together with bands like Rotting Christ, Varathron, and Septic Flesh, they have been part of the mainstay of that scene. After a long hiatus of eight years, Nightfall is back to offer its tenth studio album “At Night We Prey” out via Season of Mist on March 5th, 2021. Besides the founding members and songwriters Efthimis Karadimas (vocalist, bass guitar) and Michalis Galiatsos (guitars) the lineup also includes Kostas Kyriakopoulos (guitars) and Fotis Benardo (drums).

Compared to the quality of early albums such as “Macabre Sunsets” and “Athenian Echoes”, it is safe to say that the latest effort is by far their most accomplished work in the recent history of the band. “At Night We Prey” retrieves its strong musical persona by portraying the modern aesthetics of epic melodies. The guitars are fortified with thrashy riffs, organic drumming and the strong vocal performance of Efthimis Karadimas. The dramatic piano opening of the gothic intro “She Loved the Twilight” sets the scene perfectly. The following track “Killing Moon” blends the catchy melodies of rhythm guitars, where its vibrant guitar tone juxtapositions the fast-paced drums. One of the main aspects of the album is how the guitars feel dominant throughout. The riffs continuously swirl with the powerful outbursts of the drums.

Nightfall managed to balance the passion of the melodies and aggression of the riffs with a few executed solos appearing on “Darkness Forever”. Considering the songwriting there are some drastic changes in the quality of the music which allows the songs to sound ravenous. Compared to the previous release, “Cassiopeia”, the latest effort conjoins the trademark sound of the Greek black metal. “Witch” for example features a powerful and intense tremolo line that is followed by a bewitching female choir.

While each track displays the stylistic shifts from melodic death metal, thrash transitions, and black metal, the drums are infuriated by the rawness of the riffs. The blasting beast and double bass are occasional present, adding strength to the songs. The variation in tempo and the menacing vocal tone are most notable in songs such as “Giants of Anger”. The track delivers haunting guitar riffs that are beautifully layered with epic melodies and textural rhythm. Nightfall seems to be taking many inspirations from Rotting Christ. This is highlighted in how the track perfectly blends dark gothic elements with the vibrant guitar melodies of Michalis Galiatsos. “At Night We Prey” contains many memorable tracks and this is to say that Efthimis Karadimas rejuvenated the spirit of the band by breathing life into the trademark sound to the composition.

“Temenos” is an up-tempo track that showcases infectious guitar melodies. “Meteor Gods” opens with a melodious guitar chord, giving space for the drums to carry out some fast sections before the slow cadence of the song returns to throw some blues inspired solos. The guitars constantly add a gloomy mood to the songs and the infectious rhythm guitars are beautifully improvised on “Martyrs of the Cult of the Dead (Agita)”. Among one of the best hits on the album, Nightfall possesses dark enchanting melodies whereas the guitars are brought by a modern scale technique. The overall quality is simply breathtaking.

The album title track binds all the compelling elements in one composition, with its vehement chorus and the passionate vocals that seemingly stumble into some electronic beats. The pivotal guitar works along with the charismatic vocals providing menacing growls add a dark feeling. The album closure “Wolves in Thy Hand” is textured with rich keyboards. Everything on this track are arranged in sheer brilliance. Nightfall’s newest album is, without a doubt, the best work delivered by these veterans since long! This is a really dark, melodic, and aggressive piece of blackened death metal. 

Release Date: March 5th, 2021
Label: Season of Mist
Track list:

1. She Loved the Twilight
2. Killing Moon
3. Darkness Forever
4. Witches
5. Giants of Anger
6. Temenos
7. Meteor Gods
8. Martyrs of the Cult of the Dead (Agita)
9. At Night We Prey
10. Wolves in Thy Hand