Review Summary: While still crafting smooth composition, Lord Belial opt for a more complacent release, and thus lose most of the spark and energy once found in their debut.
Everything sits on an even level plane. Every song is solid in the writing department, yet there are really no standout points. The use of dynamics and extreme tempo shifts are seldom found. The production is a much cleaner hi-fi take, however this becomes a setback that drowns out the bass and original atmosphere found on the debut “Kiss the Goat”.
Even with these setbacks, “Nocturnal Beast” still offers an enjoyable listen with the utilization of unforced riff transitions and background acoustic passages, such as the ones found in “Indoctrination of Human Sorrow”. Your common use of tremolo’s, distorted-alternate arpeggio picking, and drum-snare patterns can all be found on “Nocturnal Beast”. Some well placed solo’s can also be found in various tracks such as “Demonic Possession” and “Desolate Passage”.
The best part of “Nocturnal Beast” is how well the vocals fit amidst the instruments. While not showing much voice variance, the ability to decipher the lyrics are ever present. Thomas Backelin uses a mid to high range vocal approach, with a reasoning-satanic and metaphoric nature-like, lyrical approach.
In “Demonic Possession”, you will hear Backelin reasoning:
Satanic spells shall be cast upon all humans
Living in the faith of a dying god
Praying for their lives they shall be ripped to pieces
Burning their temples of Christ, havens for their weak minds
As mentioned earlier, naturist metaphors are used. In “Desolate Passage”, you will hear the track opening with:
Wandering through the cold mist as night falls
Stalking the pale and dying face of the earth
Reflections of past life is haunting me
Dark deceptions… no solace
In conclusion, this album gives an enjoyable listen. With just enough variance to keep the listener entertained, “Nocturnal Beast” uses humble-catchy riffs, lyrics, and well placed solos. Unfortunately, the lacking side comes from a lack of energy and complacent dynamics.
Best Tracks:
Demonic Possession
Fleshbound
Desolate Passage
Insufferable Rituals
