NOCTURNAL DEPARTURE - Cathartic Black Rituals (Repose Records) (DIGIPAK CD)

The album captivates from the start, immersing the listener in a peculiar ambiance with ambient gurgles and grunting, setting an intriguing mood. As guitar feedback blends in, the music shifts into mournful and melancholic riffing, accompanied by powerful drums and tormented screams. The raw soundscape quickly transforms into icy black metal, exhibiting an old-school ferocity with whiplash grooves and headbanger-friendly riffing.

While hints of melodic vibes reminiscent of Sargeist emerge, the album maintains a more aggressive and pummeling assault, infusing primal sounds with a consistently fierce approach. The musicians deliver a vitriolic performance, creating an inhuman sound that complements the estranged ambience. The production, raw and filthy, is marked by occasional pristine guitar notes that add a dissonant touch to the overall grisly rhythms.

Amidst howls, tremolo onslaughts, and maniacal drums, the album showcases black metal excellence. The debut release, titled "Cathartic Black Rituals," is a phenomenal work with ample variation and killer ideas, suggesting a promising future for this obscure Canadian act. The music, both soothingly hideous and beautifully curated, offers a tasteful blend of massively orchestrated soundscapes, showcasing true occult black metal prowess.