The name CARPE NOCTEM is a pretty misleading choice for a Metal band. First of all, it is quite a motto of the Gothic scene, since it translates as “seize the night”, in a modification of an old Latin proverb. Then there is a German band of that name that tries to combine strings and Metal and seems to be quite popular here in Germany. In addition, there are or were four real Metal bands called CARPE NOCTEM, three of which have released albums. The last one still active is this atmospheric Black Metal band from Reykjavik, Iceland, who right now presents their second album “Vitrun”. I have to admit that I haven’t listened to any of their previous releases yet, that consist of the full length “In Terra Profugus” from 2013, a self-titled EP in 2009 and a demo the year before. Thus I can only tell you about what I hear on “Vitrun”. And CARPE NOCTEM did damn well on this album. Their approach to Black Metal is quite atmospheric, dark and sometimes extremely intense. But the quintet also added some dissonant moments to their sound (especially ‘Og Hofið Fylltist Af Reyk’) and even parts that remind of Post Black Metal or Blackgaze (especially the instrumental interlude ‘Úr Beinum Og Brjóski’). This, in consequence, means long and diversified songs, two of which even pass the mark of ten minutes without getting just a little bit boring. A kind of prettiness is something you won’t really find on “Vitrun”, unless you define it as pitch blackness. Listeners withstanding that blackness get rewarded with finest dark stuff, the first two songs ‘Söngurinn Sem Ómar Á Milli Stjarnanna’ and ‘Upplausn’ are good examples for great modern Black Metal. And the epic, often lavaesque ‘Hér Hvílir Bölvun’ depicts the current state of the art in Black Metal, a song which could easily keep up with the great stuff that came from France during the last years. In the end, the long ‘Sá Sem Slítur Vængi Flugunnar Hefur Náð Hugljómun’ rounds up the album by summarizing all the facets of the album. Those of you with an open ear for contemporary (Post) Black Metal should check out “Vitrun” and maybe do it like me and check out the earlier releases of CARPE NOCTEM as well. Find out more at www.facebook.com/carpenoctemiceland. Label contact: www.code666.net