...And So the Night Became

Aeternus, the dark metal band from Bergen, Norway, brought out their third release, ...And So the Night Became on Hammerheart Records. At this stage in the band's development, the album offers both their characteristic metal sound, and, contrastingly, several songs with strong non-metal influences. For instance, "Fyrndeheimen" is a melodic folk instrumental that is quite at odds with the more raw, violent sound of later releases on Ascension of Terror or Shadows of Old. Listeners with a taste for a gentler style will find this appealing. "Warrior of the Crescent Moon" shows a Spanish influence on the guitar work as well. There's still plenty for avid metalheads too -- "Blodsverging" and "There's No Wine Like the Bloods Crimson" have band founder Ares' trademark deep, growling vocals, and "As I March" has the characteristic instrumental sound with rapid-fire guitar, bass, and drums. Recommended for Aeternus fans. ~ Murrday Fisher