Artist: Nocturnal Damnation
Country: Japan / South Korea
Label: Profaner Records
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2026
Nocturnal Damnation is a band that has always been a bit hard to catch. Not so much for the musical identity, but even more so when it comes to the “who and where” question. The band had several musicians in its line-up from various countries, from Spain to South Korea, but now it is said Nocturnal Damnation is a Japanese/South Korean band, possibly because of musicians coming in and out or even moving to other countries. But, what stayed the same, all across the band’s 15+ years of existence is its deeply rooted dedication to all things foul and extreme.
With a respectable discography, which consists of just one full-length album, the 2012 released ‘Desecration, Crucifixion, Perversion’ (Silver Key Records), and a handful of split releases, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start if you’re not yet familiar with the band. Although a compilation titled ‘Sado-Goat Ritual Desecration (2010–2017)’ was already released in 2018, it’s worth adding another one to the collection. Not least because the band’s latest release dates back to 2020, and it’s good to bring the band back into the spotlight. That’s happening now thanks to the Spanish/Ecuadorian offensive by Profaner Records and Temple Profanator in the form of this ‘Goat Tyrants Of Atomic Hell’ compilation tape.
People already familiar with this enigmatic Asian band will not find anything really new here in terms of surprising directions or unexpected twists and turns. Some of the tracks on this tape were previously unreleased, others are found on some of the many split releases, and as a result, they all sound somewhat different, but the common denominator is the unmistakable Asian style of Extreme Metal. It is a brand of wildness that blends the classic Sarcófago sound with a thoroughly aggressive speed. Much like visionary bands such as Abhorer and Impiety, the music has a demonic drive that feels like a AK47 going berserk. The feral drums (whether programmed or human) and the roaring vocals, together with the deep grinding guitars are what ties all this madness together and will definitely appeal to fans of early Asian or South-American diabolical insanity.
