Review Summary: A little more uncertainty makes Nite’s blackened heavy metal even easier to keep rooting for
While Nite’s distinct blend of blackened heavy metal makes them an easy group to root for, there’s always been a sense of them holding back. Their third album feels an earnest attempt to remedy this lingering concern, never straying too far from the sounds their first two installments set forth but rather giving more impact to their performances and compositions. The jury is still out on whether Cult of the Serpent Sun fully cuts loose but the results do reflect a more solid intent.
The pacing is admittedly slower than one would expect from the more revamped mindset, but there’s more consideration put toward the dynamics and aiming for more impactful hooks. “Skull” and “Carry On” do run on speedy tempos but each offers its own character, the former summoning diabolical chugs while the latter takes on an uplifting character reminiscent of mid-eighties Rush. The opening title track and “Tarmut” play up a darker slinky character with their more level trudges, “Crow (Fear The Night)” and the closing “Winds of Sokar” play up more determined battle anthems with the latter even slipping into a bright power metal climax, and “The Mystic” almost goes full occult doom.
Through it all, the musicianship still has some lingering stiffness but the playing seems to have a better sense of what they’re wanting to achieve stylistically. The guitar playing certainly feels more involved with extended soloing opportunities and informed dynamics. The drums roll with the changes well, hitting a certain ceiling in terms of energy but more lively than before. The insistence on rumbling rasps can make the vocal lines still seem rather monotonous but there’s enough going on to overlook them, give or take a few extra chorus shouts.
Overall, a little more certainty helps make Nite’s blackened heavy metal attitude work better on Cult Of The Serpent Sun. There are still plenty of times where I would’ve loved to hear more dexterous choruses or a greater spark of spontaneity, but it’s also worth asking if that’s the sort of things they’d even be interested in doing. The heightened playing is enough to indicate their growing prowess, which allows for a distinct character to shine even brighter. They’re still not quite the best that this niche has to offer, but they became easier to keep rooting for.
