Much like any other group in the early .edu-restricted days of Facebook, the heavy metal fan club I created was essentially a place for fans of the genre to share their favorite bands and recommend new artists, songs, and albums. One of the first to reach my inbox was Nocturnal Rites, shortly after the release of Grand Illusion in 2005. I had been a fan of power metal for only a short time after listening to a smattering of modern (DragonForce) and classic (Helloween) and was ready to dive deep.
From the opening chords of the album, the band prepares the listener for an epic journey through some familiar places – friends, foes, battles, emotions… they’re all there, packaged in an extremely polished case that both hits with mighty force yet never overpowers through overproduction. Released 15 years after Nocturnal Rites formation, the album is both a seminal production and a proud declaration of progression in a highly competitive scene.
There is very little filler on this ten-track album, and vocalist Jonny Lindkvist’s Halford-esque voice shines not just through his grasp of the English language, but its delivery, as well. Fools Never Die, Never Trust, and Still Alive form the opening barrage whilst tracks like our Wasted Days and Never Ending bring an upbeat positivity to rather depressing subjects. Overall, I believe the album is sorely overlooked, especially by fans of the genre that fostered their success, as it is truly a fantastic statement.
Unfortunately, it appears as though Nocturnal Rites no longer exists as a recording and/or touring entity. While the band’s (presumably) current members are have not said anything in regards to the future of the group, each has moved forward separately with other projects and some have left the music industry, entirely. Perhaps one day we will see a reunion of this tremendously talented Scandinavian band, maybe not; either way, they made a ton of great music and Grand Illusion stands as some of their best.
Favorites:
-Fools Never Die
-Still Alive
-Our Wasted Days
-End of Our Rope
-Never Ending
