Evig Natt - Vaketimen

Evig Natt is a Gothic doom metal band from Norway, who formed in 2002.  Their latest album, “Vaketimen,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released a demo.  The band’s sound also has heavy elements of death and black metal.  

Their sound is both visceral and cerebral.  I’m a sucker for metal, especially anything under the doom pantheon, that is comfortable living in worlds that are beautiful and dark —this album nails this niche.  It is also the first album I’ve heard from the band—color me surprised and also dumb for not having them on my radar before now.

“Vaketimen,” is a dynamic album, ebbing and flowing between tempos and even vocal styles.  The cleans from Kirsten Jørgensen are lithe, expressive, and breathtaking.  There is a moment of her presence where she isn’t engaging and emotional. Bassist/keyboardist Stein Roger Sund also provides the extreme vocals and (I’m assuming this is him) and cleans as well. Together, the two of them display a theatrical approach to the genre—and an infectious one at that.

The guitars of Ruben Osnes and Arne Marton Tanjerd offer their own display of storytelling, both of them comfortable in changing moods and styles at the drop of a hat yet doing so in a smooth way where it’s always an epic transition instead of a jarring experience.  Tom Enge’s drums make it all possible–this dude holds it all on his shoulders with a tight foundation but one with enough variety to make it all his own. 

The album is super memorable and catchy too.  Its Gothic doom atmosphere is macabre and morose—should music like this be catchy?  I don’t see why not.  As long as it’s good.  And this is simply beyond ‘good.’  

The album begins with the intro song, “Shimmer.”  I tend to hate intros unless they make sense with the album and/or flow into the first proper song…which this one does.  This is a short but elegant, sweeping song that perfectly sets up the album as it effortlessly glides into the first full song which is….

…. “Last of the Night.”  Buzzing base and blackened riffs, all of which are heightened by a Gothic atmosphere, open the song before the doom metal settles in with deep growls and strong, pervasive drumming.  Kirsten’s smooth but commanding vocals enter the fray for memorable vocal lines. The tradeoff between her and Stein’s vocal style is the tried-and-true ‘beauty and the beast’ style that just never gets old, especially in doom metal.  Fans of Draconian will surely be grabbed by this song…and you won’t be able to let go.  After the halfway mark, the band introduces a sort of Celtic/folk vibe and it absolutely works. 

“Death,” begins with monumental doom riffs that hit like a meteor shattering through the atmosphere.  I love the intense double bass underneath the clean vocals while the guitars work their magic—such a strong combination of moods and sounds.  Melodic guitars appear at just the right moments in the song, treating the line between light and dark without going too far into either one.  The keys are there but in a subtle way—a light but encompassing texture.  Brilliant. The final half of the song settles into a slow groove with deadly vocals slithering their way through. 

Both vocalists show their talent in “Sorrow My World.”  While they sing their asses off, the music runs through a tunnel of Gothic doom, perfectly complimenting the vocals.  The chorus is catchy as hell too.  I really like the drums, as they know exactly when to pour it on but also when to hold back and let the intricacies of the music be explored in a less heavy handed manner.  I like the ending a whole lot as the rising action culminates in a great dual vocal performance. 

“Eahparas,” is one of my favorite songs on the album.  The sullen and melancholic beginning builds up with gentle and catchy vocal rhythms but later turns into a raging river of double bass and extreme vocals.  The song returns to a true melding of melody and aggression with another banger of a chorus.   The 5-minute onward mark reminds me so much of the old albums from bands like Tristania and Theatre of Tragedy.  That might be considered nostalgia but to me it’s a modern package honoring the old while keeping the style going for a new audience.  

The final song, “At the End of the Night,” is so goddamn good.  The simple but clean piano tones hit me right in the feel, tugging on something buried deep that I forgot was even there.  What a performance from Kirsten too!  Wow!  After the 3 minute mark, the guitars approach like storm clouds finally arriving on what was already a dreary day. The bottom falls out when the growls arrive—chilling!  What a great ending to a great album.  

Evig Natt’s “Vaketimen,” is an album that will appeal to doomers and fans of atmospheric metal in general.  This album is filled with such amazing songs that even metalheads who prefer more extreme stuff might find themselves caught up in this.  Highly recommended. 

Rating: Excellent