Artist: Nights Horn
Country: France
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Demo tape
Year: 2023
Of course, it is nonsensical to write an essay on Dissection’s far-reaching influence on today’s extreme metal scene. Almost weekly, we are treated to bands that (sometimes more than) lean on the legacy of this Swedish titan. But it’s not every day a band incorporates the familiar Dissection DNA into its own ideas in such a way that, besides being recognisable, it can also come across as refreshing.
But such is the case with French one-man vehicle Nights Horn. This is a new outlet of Thomas Lhairaud (here operating under the name T.) who we (possibly) know from the good but somewhat directionless Dïatrïbe. That Thomas has talent we have already heard through his other bands, but I think it can rightfully be said that with Nights Horn he delivers his best work so far. Indeed, the comparison with Dissection is very obvious, but it’s pleasing to hear that, for a change, this time it leans more towards ‘The Somberlain’ than ‘Storm Of The Light’s Bane’. Which is to say, there is a much thicker layer of Death Metal underpinning the music, which further contains the melodic components we also recognise in bands like Unanimated, Eucharist, Sacramentum and the early work of At The Gates or even In Flames. Although everything sounds recognisable and there is no originality to speak of anyway, good guitar work, well-thought-out melodies and song structures still provide that aforementioned refreshment. The dark and fairly massive sound has a big part in this, the production is far from clear (unlike that of ‘Storm Of The Light’s Bane’) but that is exactly why it all sounds nondescript.
It is definitely the obvious musical insight, the good playing and musicianship as well as the somewhat dank sound that makes ‘Blood Soul’ absolutely promising. I am therefore extremely curious as to where this could all lead, I will keep my eyes (and ears) open in any case.
