Nightbringer, ‘Apocalypse Sun’ – New Album

American black metal band Nightbringer will release 'Apocalypse Sun' in North America on May 11. Vocalist/guitarist Naas Alcameth told Noisecreep that he is not well-versed in the current U.S. black metal scene, and that's just the way he likes it. "Over the years there have been very few black metal bands from the U.S. that have really captured my attention. I have not spent too much time analyzing why the progression of black metal in this country has, to me, largely seemed devoid of real tangible spirit."

Alcameth elaborated on his feelings, placing them in the context of just how young and new America is. "This country in large is comprised of a populace of 'men without heritage,' a gray-faced entity that has little to no connection to the 'pre-modern' spirit, which I feel is crucial in manifesting this kind of art," he said. We have to agree, that black metal is an 'old soul' type of music, that reverts to the past more than it hangs out in the current or the future.

The vocalist/guitarist believes that the blackest of the black comes from Europe, because of that country's lengthy history and battles with the religious order. In an age when many extreme metal fans call for the death of false metal, there's certainly a schism between the extreme and the mainstream, but pockets of division have sprung up, even within the sub-genres.

He continued, "So perhaps it is not so surprising that such a place produces acts that at their core are empty, while countries in Europe produce more acts which are worthwhile. Of course, this is all based on perception, intuition, personal sensitivities, interpretations and what I value within what I dub as 'real' black metal, which is based on this idea of atavism -- and certainly is not the only interpretation. But [it is] my personal take on the matter. Not to say that this country has not offered any real gems, just very few."

As far as the maliciously metallic Nightbringer's role in furthering black metal? Alcameth thinks not of such trivial matters. "That is not something which we are invested in," he said. "The progression or 'success' of the U.S. black metal scene simply lies far outside our area of focus." Spoken like someone who walks the left hand path.

'Apocalypse Sun' is Nightbringer's second album.

'Apocalypse Sun' track list

1. 'I am I'

2. 'Supplication before the Throne of Tehom'

3. 'Serpent of the Midnight Sun'

4. 'Upturning the Seventh Chalice'

5. 'Excitium- Litany of the Devouring Earth'

6. 'Goblet of Sulfur and Poison'

7. 'The Coils of Sevekh'

8. 'Nephal- the Seat of Pan-Daimonium'

9. 'The utterance of Kasabe'l'

10. 'Fount of the Nighted God-head'