Album Review: Noctem - Credo Certe Ne Cras
Reviewed by Richard Oliver
Spain is not a country that immediately comes to mind when it comes to the topic of extreme metal but whilst not internationally renowned there is a very healthy metal scene in Spain. One band that is very much flying the flag for Spanish extreme metal are Noctem who have been steadily becoming a much talked about name in black metal and with the release of their sixth album Credo Certe Ne Cras they will definitely become a talking point amongst the metal community.
Credo Certe Ne Cras (which translates as ‘I believe with certainty that there is no tomorrow’) builds upon the momentum of previous album The Black Consecration and takes things both sonically and atmospherically to another level. This is a very melodic form of black metal that Noctem deliver but with a crippling intensity to it to match. Songs such as Sovereign Providence, The Tolling Of The Nine Bells and Ceremonial Miasma are blisteringly fast, violent and aggressive but the melodic undertones and lead guitar work really lift these songs.
The depth and ambition of these compositions is breathtaking and the maturity in the bands songwriting can really be heard with stand outs such as Sanctum Of Anguish, The Pale Moon Rite and the quite frankly stunning title track.
Noctem have been growing in status with plenty of high profile tours and festival appearances such as Incineration, Metaldays and Bloodstock in recent months but Credo Certe Ne Cras should be the album to take them to the next level as it is absolutely incredible. It is an album that is vast and rich as well as being furious and intense and Noctem manage to mix these elements together in perfect unison and the results are breathtaking. 2022 has seen some remarkably good black metal released and Noctem have an album that will surely be making some top album lists come the end of the year. If you are a fan of bands such as Rotting Christ, Watain, Gaerea and Belphegor then this album is a must hear.
