VELNIAS use mature song-writing techniques (border-lining on progressive), making use of many moody acoustic passages and slow, sorrowful riffs that gradually build and shift throughout each track. Although it is possible VELNIAS may appeal to those who follow bands such as ENSLAVED, DRUDKH, AGALLOCH, OPETH, and suchlike, the formation of the songs on offer here actually have more in common with the techniques used by bands such as later ISIS and PELICAN, though VELNIAS offer a more melancholic approach to this style and of course a strong Pagan flavour. The Pagan sensibilities and themes are evident throughout the release, from the roughly performed vocals, to the aesthetics, track titles, band name, warm-sounding guitar and bass and also the unobtrusive samples taken from the natural world. This is basically a risk-free release as you know what should be expected, there is little doubt of this. It would be fair to say that this release is an ideal choice for those who are dedicated and perhaps obsessive followers of the Pagan / Progressive / Folk area of Black Metal as “Sovereign Nocturnal” is a more subtle offering than most in this genre though it is not without intensity, due to this fact the release may also be a good choice for those who follow Post-Rock and are looking for something a little different to their usual choice of music.

Overall “Sovereign Nocturnal” is a very promising and sensitively composed release from VELNIAS, however it is likely their very best output is yet to come (with “Sovereign Nocturnal” being their first official release following a demo recording). The band have well-established and strong ideas when it comes to the inspiration behind their work and so this focused attitude will no doubt continue to yield interesting and hypnotic results. VELNIAS are certainly what may be considered an “outsider” Black Metal band along with acts such as the arty and serene WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM who also base their works on nature. To sum it up; “Sovereign Nocturnal” is a superb choice for environmentalists, experimental Metallers and modern-day heathens.

One of the elements that makes NEUROSIS so successful (when considering their later releases) is their aptitude for building amazing atmospheres through layer upon layer of slowly building walls of sound and sludgy feedback. YEAR OF NO LIGHT also manage to pull this off with ease while also maintaining their own character. “Nord” tends to take the basic NEUROSIS / ISIS format and really stretch it to its limits, throwing in some extra heaviness in the form of droning doom-laden riffs, subtle interludes and calming reflective instrumental sections, Post-Rock style crescendos, and cold, melancholic electronic ambience.

Considering this is only the first official release for YEAR OF NO LIGHT (though they have released further titles since its release in 2006), it is certainly a masterful album that is both mature and could easily be mistaken for the works of a longer established band. Perhaps then it is not so surprising to learn that the band shares members with none other than MONARCH among a number of other bands. Therefore it seems natural that YEAR OF NO LIGHT tend to veer towards Doom in their overall approach. Although this release may be loosely defined as Post-Hardcore, it is definitely at the more extreme end of the scale. The style of vocals performed also support this statement as generally they are harshly executed in a screamed or roughly shouted style. Admittedly this style of screaming that is certainly more common in the Hardcore / Punk / DIY community and will not be to the taste of those who strictly follow Metal in its truest of forms. However, “Nord” is the ideal choice for those who enjoy arty, experimental hardcore. YEAR OF NO LIGHT may be described as “thinking man’s music” and may easily appeal to fans of ENVY, CULT OF LUNA, EARTH, ISIS, SWITCHBLADE, MONO, BOTCH, NEUROSIS, 65 DAYS OF STATIC, THE OCEAN, ANDSOIWATCHYOUFROMAFAR, BURIED INSIDE, CONIFER, SNOWBLOOD, ROSETTA, CONVERGE, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, PELICAN, and HUMANFLY. Challenging Doom / Drone / Dirge / Post-Hardcore for the free-thinkers and well worth taking a chance on!