"...it's an extremely somber black metal, very well done and executed. The three tracks that compose this Carpe
Noctem are excellent, graced with first class sound production, which only enhances the brilliance of Cotia's quartet. Juliano's vocals are really Nosferatu (a la Varg Vikernes), to provoke
shivers in Coffin Joe himself, as the irreprehensible instrumental of the other members. We must also mention the beauty and graphic care presented
in the demo's artwork, one of the most beautiful and elaborated ever sent to us. It shows professionalism is taking our underground. It was just
about time." (Ricardo Franzin)
NOCTERNITY play Brazilian black metal. Having heard a taste of Brazil's
death metal sensations KEMOTH and ANOPHELES, I was pleasantly suprised to
get this tape in the mail. The full-color, 4-panel insert has a cool
Geiger-esque cover combining sex and death with a hint of vampirism. It
opens with a harpsichord (okay, synth harpsichord) piece that swells with
ominousness. This band is very crunchy, rhythm-wise, as well as symphonic.
I guess vocals are the hallmark of a black metal band, and Juliano Sferatu
does well in that department, as well as playing all guitars. I
particularly liked the spoken word part with female vocals. Andre's
keyboards really help punctuate certain passages, being either grand and
lush or staccato. 'Just a Legend' has more female vocals by Cris Toreador,
and I'd like to see her become a full-fledged member of the band. The
rhythm section of Ralph (bass) and Felipe (drums) are solid and competent.
They don't really get the opportunity to do more than provide the bedrock
upon which the tracks are laid, but I don't think black metal is often
about over-playing or individual musicians. What they do provide is
crucial. I think the mix is a little muddy, and they need to be brought a
little more up-front. In a semi-unusual twist, Felipe also pens the lyrics
ala Away. Brazil seems to have a great music scene. Too bad most of the
world only knows about SEPULTURA... --(Jason - GORTICIAN/DMMA)
Here is a band ready for a CD! Nocternity plays "atmospheric death" with a lyricism only comparable to the great names of the genre, such as Opera IX and Blut Aus Nord. The band uses the usual resources, like the female vocals, but in a very creative way. The vocalist has the right "feeling" to sing gutturaly and alternate with softer vocals on the right moments. The drummer is a show of its own. The mood of the songs is tenebrous and melancholy, the lyrics are depressive poems about the night, wolves and the moon. The demo's insert is luxurious, with beautiful illustrations. This demo has only one problem: it has "only" 3 songs, which leaves us longing for more!!! (Edgar Franco - Rating: 10,0)
The high level of productions is taking by assault the underground world. This band starts well through the first impression we have when receiving DTs which is the cover; excellent visual art (internal and external), information and lyrics, but as we face the musicians' pictures we remain on guard: they are all very young! Fortunately, it was only a mistake of evaluation, since the guys kick ass with a high quality black/doom which would surely snatch lots of fans were it to reach the European scene. The musicians have good potential, with distinction to Andr� Pinheiro's keyboards, who surely doesn´t let his instrument dominate the music (something that happens a lot and has spoiled many good promises), besides the vocals sometimes guttural, sometimes abnormal, often accompanied by the beautiful and sweet voice of Cris Toreador. The other instruments do their job efficiently, but if they dared more they would improve over what is already very good. (Marcos Ribeiro - Rating: 9,5)