From Bandcamp, “When darkness fills our world, NITE sets the air ablaze with white-hot, blackened heavy metal. Having completed their journey through the stars and the skies on Voices of the Kronian Moon, NITE now faces the abyssal and shadowy mythology that has long laid dormant on their third album, “Cult of the Serpent Sun.” NITE guards the altar of blackened heavy metal with honed blades and axes raised.” The album has eight songs, and the title track is first. It has a familiar Heavy Metal pound, and the Black Metal vocals bring a snarl along with them. The song exudes energy in many facets.

“Skull” has throwback riffs to the NWOBHM that so many of us were raised on. Hell, it was shoved down my throat, and I happily gobbled it up. Of course, a guitar solo accompanies the song also. The blackened vocals are what make the distinction however, and the song is strong, and dark. “Crow (Fear the Night)” has a slower, mid-tempo pace and a riff that reminds me of the 80’s staple DOKKEN. Riffs are a very important feature of this kind of music, that and a strong vocalist. “The Mystic” takes a diversion from the energy of the first three songs and slows things down, with a good helping of melody and positivity. The main riff reminds me of the strength and poise of Conan the Barbarian.

“The Last Blade” is another welcomed diversion. Sure, it is still riff driven, but the way it climbs up the scale, it serves as a jolt of lightning to a corpse, forcing him to wake up and take to the cause. “Carry On” has some big books that draw you in and shoot right through your flesh. If you aren’t getting up on your feet to rock along with the band, you might want to check your pulse. “Tarmut” is a bit slower, and the darkness creeps up behind you like a shadow in the waning evening of summer. “Winds of Sokar” closes the album with another catchy riff, and it’s the guitar harmonies that will lift you up, rounded out by another great guitar solo.

If this album proves anything, it’s that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to a memorable listening experience. You do need to choose the right riffs, and the right amount of energy, and the right vocalist, and they have clearly done all three. It’s a simple album, but so damn catchy.