Nocternity "A Fallen Unicorn" Cassette

After the splendid “Onyx” full-length, Nocternity presents three studio tracks here from the same recording sessions. One could claim that the Greek band is gathering some momentum with this mini-lp release and the splits with Akitsa, Morrigan and Nastrond before the third longplayer, but could we do without these three songs?
No, absolutely not! This small gem is by no way superfluous. Once you are enchanted by “Onyx”, you definitely want this supplement as well. The only thing one could ask is: why were the three tracks not immediately pressed on the Onyx album, which was only about 37 minutes long?
The music is obviously in the same vein as its predecessor: original black metal that can not at all be compared to the old Greek ones like Necromantia, Rotting Christ or Varathron. The music has a Nordic, icy atmosphere, but I cannot name you one blackmetal band with the same sound. A unique feeling is experienced when listening to Nocternity: haunting riffs combined with pounding drums and effective keys make me shiver continiously. I usually dislike the use of keyboards in black metal, but here is a band that knows their craft: no happy shit, but strong, epic parts that sustain the melancholy and melody of the tracks. The vocals are raw and malicious. Furious blasts and ever present melodies prevent Nocternity from getting dull for one moment.
For a black metal band Nocternity also has a remarkable production: the sound is very heavy, but quite clear: no low-fi static noise to mask playing disabilities and enhance the “cult” value, but a very strong and convincing sound which overwhelms the listener.
No standout song here: in fact all three of them stand out as strong, epic, blackmetal hymns! This mini-lp has a Bjork-cover (Pagan poetry) as outro, and the mini-cd contains some bonus tracks. I think two real songs of which one is another version of the title-track.
To sum up: Nocternity is one of the best blackmetal bands around and “Onyx” is a must-have! All people who have that album will certainly chase “A fallen unicorn” as well, but of course you can also use this release as an appetizer. Ninety points because it’s not a full-length.

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