NOX AUREA
Via Gnosis
(Solitude Productions)
61:21min

If it comes to melodic Black / Gothic Metal the absolute burn out has been definitely achieved thanks to our dear friends from Donzdorf / Germany and their loyal worldwide supporters. So a further release will achieve as much attention as non alcoholic beer on a TANKARD concert even if this Swedish band is offering – not a totally outstanding – but nevertheless a solid album full of interesting ideas. NOX AUREA has been founded in 2005 and some of their members are also involved in Viking Metal newcomer RIMFROST (their second album has been recently released via Season of Mist).The debut “Via Gnosis” is combining influences from both edges of this style. The typical beauty / beast vocals are there but without too much effect on the music – the main vocals are still handled by the Beast also called Jan Sallander (he left the band after the recording of this album) and the female part are luckily not heading into the well detested opera direction. So what can you expect from this release – first of all majestic songs with good keyboard parts very similar to early TRISTANIA releases. Secondly value for money with a playtime of over 70 minutes and the overall impression that the band has worked hard to release a diversified album. It’s difficult to tell if NOX AUREA will find a lot of followers especially with a smaller label on their side but younger fans should give the band a chance because this release is offering everything this music stands for. www.myspace.com/noxaurea, www.solitude-prod.com

Matthias Auch

Matthias Auch

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