The US black metallers are back with a brand new album and I have to admit that I more than gladly accepted to review it. Assassins continues the run of fine releases this band produces and before I had even listened to it I was damn sure that I would face a Black Metal tornado. So give it up for NACHTMYSTIUM ladies & gentlemen!

The fact that the band used Tony Laureano (NILE, ANGELCORPSE, DIMMU BORGIR) as a session drummer was more than good news to my ears. NACHTMYSTIUM also used the services of the Sanford Parker's Volume Studios (PELICAN, MINSK, LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR) to craft probably the best sound they ever had.

With a sound that has evolved from raw Black Metal to mix between Black Metal with a Progressive background, while adding a psychedelic aesthetic, NACHTMYSTIUM have forged an album that stretches the borders of Metal music. There were many times during my listening sessions that bands like ENSLAVED and EMPEROR came to mind, since the guitars are not only about shredding, but they have some nice and melodic chords that add a nice texture to the music. The harsh and aggressive vocals of Blake Judd are also an ingredient that makes Assassins sound powerful and dark.

I really enjoyed listening to NACHTMYSTIUM's latest offering and I suppose you will enjoy it, too. Give it a chance and it will definitely not disappoint you.