![nocturnal sorcery – war in heaven, hell on earth [compilation]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nocturnal-Sorcery-–-War-In-Heaven-Hell-On-Earth-Compilation-cover.jpg "Nocturnal Sorcery – War In Heaven, Hell On Earth [Compilation]")
Info
- Band(s): Nocturnal Sorcery
- Label(s): Out of the Dungeon
- Release Format(s): CD, Compilation
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: January 5, 2025
- Author(s): FelixS
Not long after the release of the band’s second album, Nocturnal Sorcery, in conspiracy with Out Of The Dungeon, releases this compilation. ‘War In Heaven, Hell On Earth’ consists of the band’s two demos released in 2013 and in 2019. In addition, this CD release has been complemented by a total of four bonus tracks, bringing the total playing time to a whopping 76 minutes. A hefty ride, but one worth the effort to sit through.
The songs are presented in chronological order, which means we start with ‘Satanas Angels Victory Call’, the first Nocturnal Sorcery demo from 2013. Although the band’s musical blueprint has hardly changed, it is evident that the formation here is still at the cradle of a band that is set to undergo impressive development. The usually brisk Black Metal is delivered in fairly standard fashion with the more than friendly nod to bands like Darkthrone, Armagedda and Gorgoroth predominating. Still, this is already a more than above-average demo that shows well that we are dealing with very talented song writers who know how to write a good riff.
That this riff drivenness was here to stay, we have of course already heard on the later recordings. So is the case on the demo that was no less than six years in the making. ‘Symbols Of Violent Death’ from 2019 may have been recorded later, but it is one that is a lot rougher in character. With its brighter and sharper sound, the bridge to Norwegian Black Metal is even more evident. Where the first demo still leaned on “the riff” to the greatest extent, here the stage is already more clearly shared with the fantastic melodies and harmonies. Darkthrone still remains very recognisable, but by now elements reminiscent of Malignant Eternal and Malign, for example, are also making an appearance. With this, Nocturnal Sorcery is already much more in line with the Finnish Black Metal tradition. It is all about the combining of fierce riffs and splendid melodies.
It is unclear to me exactly which sessions these four bonus tracks are from. In any case, what is clear is that all four were recorded at different times and circumstances. Some sound much rougher and grittier than others, and the closing ‘ Flying To The Sabbat (…Und Doch Lacht Der Teufel)’ is even just a soundscape that gives you a moment of pensive reflection to digest what you’ve just spent the good hour listening to.
Knowing that between operations, in addition to the two demos brought together here, Nocturnal Sorcery recorded another demo and a split cassette tape, this could have been a double CD that could have kept you entertained for at least another half hour. But no matter how much playing time it has or would have, ‘War In Heaven, Hell On Earth’ demonstrates yet again how good and underrated Nocturnal Sorcery is. We often rightly extol the Finnish Black Metal scene, but of course the downside of such a prolific and quality scene is also that there are bands that actually get too little attention. Hopefully, this appreciative compilation will contribute something in rectifying that bit of (in itself understandable) injustice.
