The influences of Gothic Rock started to be noted in the Metal during the end of the first half of the 90s, but CELTIC FROST is a pioneer of such thing with “Into the Pandemonium”. Since then, more and more Metal acts started to use Gothic Rock elements on its music, from melodic ways and extreme ones as well. Then to deal with an album as “Todschick”, the new full-length of the German quartet NACHTBLUT, isn’t something unexpected. Acts as DAS ICH, XMAL DEUTSCHLAND, PINK TURNS BLUE, GIRLS UNDER GLASS and many others created the embryo of the German Gothic Rock elements that permeates the quartet’s music, as well as influences from Black Metal in the vein of CRADLE OF FILTH are undeniable, with heavy and melodic guitars and morbid orchestrations contrasting with some shrieks.

It can be said that the band balances between two musical words, and it’s great the way they do things, keeping music melodic, hypnotic and accessible (even in the aggressive moments), but with many somber and darkened parts, and some extreme moments as well. And it’s very good, indeed. Once more the quartet looked for the helping hand of Chris Harms to work as producer, and the association worked again, because “Todschick” sounds clean, defined and huge, but heavy and aggressive when the band needs it. It’s something that made the band’s music sounds alive.

“Todschick” works as consensual and solid as a rock, with no spaces for nasty words, then try to deal with it hearing from the beginning to its end, and for sure you’ll be hooked by “Von Hass getrieben”, “Todschick”, “Nachtgeweiht”, “Das Leben der anderen”, “Manchmal kommen sie wieder” (filled with Industrial Rock accessible touches), “Mein ist die Hölle” (a fine combination between melodic Black metal with German Gothic Rock), “Götterstille”, “Kinder des Zorns”, “Stirb langsam” and “Schneller als der Tod”. The band created a masterpiece on its own, fruit of their experience for all those 20 years on the scene. And for those that are addicted to their music, there’s a deluxe version with a bonus CD with 7 bonus songs with collaborations with names as Frank Herzig, Tetzel, Freki Eric Fish and others.

Dive into the Dark/Gothic music of NACHTBLUT and let yourself go! Enjoy “Todschick” as much as you want!