Nocturne
Twilight (Hollows Hill Sound Recordings)
By: Alex Steininger
Dalles, Texas' Nocturne, fronted by the powerfully provocative Lacey Conner, blend heavy industrial grooves with metal and Goth counterparts to create a wicked, skull-splitting sound that is as loud, heavy, and aggressive as they come."Seeing Things" opens the album with guitar-charged noises that are quickly backed up by heavy, dynamic grooves that are as fierce and sharp as the band itself. Lacey's voice keeps in line with the stereotypical sweetness of a female voice, but it also possesses a fierceness that could beat out the majority of both men and female out there. Half way through the song it breaks off into a soft, windy number that soon bites down hard once again and lets it all fly free as it throws the striking guitars, angst, and fire right back in your face.
"A Happy Death" is another point of interest on this album. The mood is quickly set by a dark synth that opens the album; the guitar and rhythm section soon enters thereafter and keeps the slow, dark mood of the song but drives a deep groove through the listener's mind.
"Pride Must Be Sacrificed (P.M.S.)" whips you into a frenzy with a shotgun of drums while "Shock" will get your head swimming with its sweet, delicate side that is surrounded by sharp, razor rhythms. And, "Lament" will put you into another state of mind with its whirly, mind-controlling presence.
Nocturne will have your head spinning, body moving, and throat burning as you listen to this album. The screams, the chills, and the intensity of this album will quickly make you a fan; I'll give it a B.
