Still waiting for the next BELPHEGOR output? Disappointed by the last NECROPHOBIC releases? Enjoying CRADLE OF FILTH when they play fast-forward, accompanied by some keyboard melodies (not that Gothic hullabaloo)? Thinking THE CROWN sounded much better when they were named CROWN OF THORNS? Having “The Somberlain” by DISSECTION in mind when talking about excellent Death / Black Metal? NAGLFAR? Well, then do not hesitate and take a listen to the third album by NOCTEM from Spain. The predecessor was already astonishing and “Exilium” just exactly goes on were “Oblivion” stopped. Mostly fast played blackened Death Metal (or Death Metal influenced Black Metal, I am not an expert when it comes to stereotypes). The keyboards are prominent, but in every second the are supporting the song, so no keyboard chinking annoys the listener. The mid-tempo parts are heavy as hell, you know that feeling in your stomach when the elevator stops. The song ‘Egregor’, supposed to be some kind of interlude, is the only fail. But that are just about three minutes of three quarters of an hour of finest Death / Black Metal, so it does not fall into weight. A gem like the 13 minutes title track from “Oblivion” is missing this time. But hey, anyone expecting MORBID ANGEL releasing “Altars Of Madness” again and again? Of course I know some people think so. But every album is unique the time it is being recorded and “Exilium” is one of the best Death / Black Metal albums released in 2014 until now. www.noctemofficial.com, www.facebook.com/noctemofficial, www.artgatesrecords.com