EP Review: Nattehimmel – The Night Sky Beckons (Hammerheart Records)

Out of the woods and into the night sky! Nattehimmel is the brand-new project from founder members of both Norwegian bands ‘In the Woods’ and ‘Green Carnation’; the Botteri brothers.

Christian (guitar) & Christopher (bass) have returned to their black metal roots and teamed up with recently departed In the Woods vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist, James Fogarty (also of Old Forest). They are joined by their long-time collaborator Sven Rothe (Strange New Dawn) on drums.

Founded in January 2022, Nattehimmel (Norsk for ‘Night Sky’) is a direct descendent of early In the Woods – injecting new life into the early 90’s black/pagan metal sound which they helped to shape.

They have teamed up with Hammerheart Records for the release of a limited 3 track demo tape called ‘The Night Sky Beckons’. It will be released on May 20th, 2022.

A taste of things to come, Nattehimmel announce their arrival with three tracks of old-school black and pagan metal. Where thick atmosphere creates a sense of cold and loneliness, yet it also sounds incredibly imposing and epic. Although considering the talent involved, that probably shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise.

The comparisons to In the Woods and Green Carnation are there. There is no getting away from that, but this is not just another re-run of those bands. Nattehimmel’s blackened heavy depth, mixed with symphonic flourishes and dark rhythms, makes for a different, yet familiar listen.

The three tracks of this demo EP serves as an impressive introduction to Nattehimmel and where their capabilities lie. It’s deceptively enchanting and overwhelmingly exciting. You don’t have to be a fan of where these guys came from to be excited for their future. Until then? Embrace the night sky.

Nattehimmel – The Night Sky Beckons Full Track Listing:

1. Astrologer
2. Mountain of the Northern Kings
3. Nattehimmel – The Night Sky Beckons

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