German Black Metallers DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT have had their debut album re-released by Swedish label Nigredo Records. The album is being issued out in limited edition (1,000 copies only) on CD. This is a great album that ignited what would become the legion of DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT. That being said for those of you that are not familiar with the band they consist of female vocalist Onielar (BETHLEHEM), guitarist Velnias, and drummer Horrn. The band has been around since 1997 and has cranked out six full length albums of pure extreme Black Metal. In addition to those that have not heard the band, some have compared the band to MARDUK, ENTHRONED, TSJUDER and GORGOROTH. Fast blistering guitars, harsh guttural vocals and pounding thunderous drums… all these will describe this debut album. Things get going with ‘Thanatos’, showcasing what to expect for the next 30 minutes and to get ready for a wild rollercoaster ride of headbanging. I appreciate the rawness yet technical aspect of the guitar riffs. You can tell that Velnias really took the time to hone in on his riffs. The title track ‘Follow The Calls For Battle’ to me is the standout track on the entire album and not just because it is the album title track. Here is where I see DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT applying all their talents and creating a song that not only represents the album but in essence the band’s work ethic. Onielar’s vocals here are slightly drowned out a bit more than in the other tracks but you can still capture her message. At times I hear hints of ABIGOR and JUDAS ISCARIOT when I listen to the album, did the band do that intentionally as a homage or was it just coincidence? Either way those are two solid bands to garner inspiration from and with good reason as both bands are legends in the Black Metal community. Overall, this debut album was the baseline for the future accolades of the band. Fans of Black Metal will really enjoy what the band brings to the table and for those that have heard of DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT but haven’t heard the debut album, do yourself a favor and check it out. The ferocity of the music and the songwriting opens the ambiance for darkness. Lastly, I would like to give a shout out to Onielar for her bravery while battling cancer, you are a true warrior and your blade will pierce away the cancer. www.facebook.com/d.n.slaughtercultofficial, www.facebook.com/nigredorecords