NIGHTSIDE is a Black Metal band hailing from Finland. They were originally formed in 1996, but underwent a hiatus and reformed in 2021. “Death from the North” is the band’s first album in 23 years. 23 years is a long time to be away from music, and hopefully the band members have still been involved in music during this time…then again, maybe not, and that might give them a fresh take on songwriting. Let’s see what the band has to offer after such a lengthy hiatus. The title track is the first cut. A slow fade-in eases, followed by a thick and overgrown Black Metal sound. The riffs are fresh, and deadly, and the vocals are tortured and scratchy. The song is harrowing and uses the familiar gaunt of Black Metal in terms of the cadence. Much is demanded of the drummer. “The Crumbling Tower” has a similar sound, in terms of the fact that much of the song comes from the guitar riffs and blast-beat drumming, but so far, the band isn’t stretching themselves much. “Disciples of Darkness” very much reflects the title of the song, and out come meaty bass notes in the mix. The image that comes to mind is an army of demons, marching out of hell, ready to dominate the world above.

“There Won’t Be Another Dawn” is the first presentation of some variation on the album, with a soft, sober entrance. But at the title suggests, it roars in with full steam, breaking concrete, bones, and everything else in its path. “The Dying Sun” has a steadier sound, fueled by a harrowing, scratchy guitar riff and some backing keyboards. The main focus of the album so far is exactly this song…frightening sounds that your parents warn you about as a kid. “Gates of Hell” is a full on assault of the senses, and the riff, vocals, and drums seem to explode and come alive in front of you. “Lions” is a shorter blast, but it no less intense than many of the other songs. It grabs your throat, clenches down, and doesn’t let go.  “In Solitude I Wander” closes the album. His solitude is not very lonely or quiet however. Indeed, it is full of a constant ringing in his ears that will never go away. Overall, I am pleased with that the band has to offer after 23 years of silence. This album holds many of the original tenants of Black Metal in high regard, and although there are also some solemn moments of melody, it’s a traditional offering to their fans.