|
As a legend,
HAIMAD remains ever-present, passed down from generation to
generation — perhaps remembered by some, forgotten by others.
There was a time when the band fell silent, but they have
returned stronger than ever, tempered by the weight of time. The
EP “The Return” was released in 2019 after 20 years without
recording, marking the HAIMAD's rebirth and hinting that what
would follow would be monumental.
“When Night Rode Across the North” feels like a piece unearthed
from the past, carrying that lost essence erased by modern
times. Every song is a beautiful collection of emotions.
The opening track, which gives the album its name, begins with
an orchestral overture that successfully invokes the glorious
Scandinavian sound of old, before unfolding into a furious
melodic and grandiose black metal piece — a magnificent
composition reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir’s Enthrone Darkness
Triumphant or Limbonic Art’s Moon in the Scorpio.
“Nen Cenedril” is fierce, and together with “Where
Serpents Wait in Withering Ruins” forms the perfect pair
leading into the clean guitars of “Naur”, echoing the
spirit of Ulver fisrt days.
One of the album’s highlights is “Voice of the Dread
Abomination”, a hard and powerful track with a nostalgic
passage — it’s flawless.
“Of Smokeless Fire and Smouldering Ash” and “The Key
to the First and Final Day” only make things better, closing
a perfect work.
The orchestrations blend perfectly with the rest of the
instruments; everything sounds balanced, the result of an
excellent production.
This album will transport you to another era and make you feel
young again. If you were there back in those days, you’ll know
exactly what I’m talking about.
Fabio Z.
|
