Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Moonspell Night Eternal Company: Steamhammer Release: 2008 Reviewer: Devil Dave Genre: Gothic

Rating 5

In my opinion this is the best album of 2008 so far

For those that do not know, Moonspell formed in Portugal in 1989. In 1992, they changed their name officially to Moonspell and issued their first release, 'Under the Moonspell'. It was considered a landmark for Portugese metal music. They started out as a very Black Metal influenced band. Over the years their sound has evolved into more Gothic Metal. Long time fans have been very vocal in protest about the changing sound, while they have gained a new audience all over the globe, and they are the first metal band besides, Metallica and Iron Maiden to have been number 1 on the Portugese music charts. This brings us to their newest release, 'Night Eternal'. This album is one of the most refreshing listens that I have had in a while. In a time where most metal bands are content to sound like every other album released, Moonspell have put out a release that is very original. There is truly no dull spots to be found on this album at all. From the opening classical intro to the song, 'At Tragic Heights', to the power riffing, and melodic leads of album closer 'First Light', this is just great metal. They have the songs arranged in a way that tempo changes between each track keep your interest and keep you listening. There are not a lot of solos on this album but when one pops up it totally fits the song, and doesn't feel forced or thrown in just to have a solo. The mixing of the instruments gives them all their own place in the track, and nothing sounds muddy or unlistenable. In the song 'Scorpion Flower', there is a female vocal, done by Former The and current AGUA DE ANNIQUE vocalist Anneke van Giersbergen, it sounds very celtic, and fits the mood of the song perfectly. The opening riff on 'Hers is the Twilight' sounds like something dreamed up by Megadeth mainman Dave Mustaine. After repeated listens I still find new little bits of atmosphere added into the songs. The vocals on the album are clean gothic vocals ala Peter Steele of Type O Negative, and a more extreme metal style that for some reason reminds me of Anders Fridén of 'In Flames' (Not that this album sounds like 'In Flames', not even in passing). All in all if you are a fan of Moonspell this album is a must buy. On the other hand if you are a fan of metal this is a must buy. In my opinion this is the best album of 2008 so far. If you pick this up you will not be dissapointed.