Metal Reviews

Five songs in and I am really impressed. These guys seem like they are really on a run. The past three albums have been great. I'll admit, I was a Nocturnal Rites hater for a while... I'm not sure why. They write such damn catchy music. Anyway, so far "The 8th Sin" rules.

To me it sounded like Grand Illusion part 2. I admit it's my favorite Lindqvist era album but i thought you didn't think highly of it.

Anyway, I've heard The 8th Sin only once so far and overall it's a strong effort. Except for those damn electronic intros on some of the songs (Never Again, Strong Enough), this is exactly the album you'd come to expect from NR.


When i first saw the name of the topic i thought you are talking about a new Ancient Rites album. Man, what a disappointment.

I agree, and I think that is a good thing. See, Hammerfal does the same thing, but unlike Nocturnal Rites they can't make it sound fresh and new. They repeat the same song over and over.

And originally I did hate the Lindqvist era. He grew on me. One day I decided to pop in Afterlife again and holy crap did it blow me away. Then every ablum after that was suddenly better.

I like it, better than I expected. Not the Only is an awesome track, Pain & Pleasure and Tell Me are good too. The rest kind of blend in, but that might change. We'll see if it can stand the test of time, Grand Illusion didn't (not for me anyway).

Can anyone recommend one of their best to me?
I'm considering which to buy, many thanks!

cool band...reminds me of Dio a lot on their last album and that whole 80's big chorus sound.

The Sacred Talisman, but they became a completely different band after this album.

Yeah, +1 for the Sacred Talisman. From the Zackrisson era it's my favorite album, but you could just as well pick Tales Of Mystery And Imagination. They're both equally good.

From the Lindqvist era i'd go with Grand Illusion or just buy their new one when it comes out. Both are very good and the only flaw i find in them is that they get boring with each listen.

thxs a lot. I found a lot of comments on the website, It's a great band! So many people fell in love with them!

The first two are by far the best with Tales of Mystery coming in as their finest album. not only is that album brilliantly catchy vocally, but the guitars are classy, intricate, and very well done. One of the greatest power metal albums of all time, hands down.

New World Messiah, no doubt. That's where they peaked. Great songs, HUGE choruses, great production and Jonny's voice.

One of their weakest, imo.

The first three album are a lot better than the new five - but as NESS says, its like a totally different band. Grand Illusion is my favourite of the new ones, though I haven't heard the newest one yet. Its got a few bad reviews on metal archives, though...

I'd say the new one is as good if not better than Grand Illusion. And yeah, New World Messiah is the weakest of the Lindqvist era.

Hate to go against the grain here, but I cannot stand the sound of Nocturnal Rites from when they had their original singer. It just sounded second rate. Maybe a couple of decent tracks here and there, but nothing memorable.

Everything from Afterlife onwards is much much better, particularly Grand Illusion and Afterlife. New Age Messiah is very good, but I'd have Shadowland as the weakest album from their current era.

you can't be serious. Their original sound was....quite original for that type of metal. There was a deep purple/ blue oyster cult vibe that the music had to it. Not to mention the vocals were brilliant. They did what hammerfall did, but less gay and more guitar intricate. In fact for that type of metal, Nocturnal Rites stood apart for being less heavy over all and more guitar intricate. now they are just your typical power metal band. Typical riffs, typical vocals.

Just heard this. Sorry guys, I'm going to have to go against the grain here and say that I found it pretty boring. Nothing too bad, mind you, but nothing I'd give above a 60... Their worst album, I'd say.

Did you like Grand Illusion?

I didn't think it was anything great, but I liked it better than this one. Very similar style, I know, but that one kept my attention whereas this one doesn't really.

When will this album be reviewed?

Really good cd the last few haven't realy stood out from the crowd they were still good but this is better.