This is a prism of unlight. A ruthless, demonic plunge into the cold arms of death, told by the blackest of scribes and channeled through an unhallowed wavelength that makes most black metal bands shiver in fear. The band is the nocturnal Nightbringer, and the style of execution performed under the guidance of this American medium of death leaves the ghoulish hour of "Hierophany of the Open Grave" to the vultures of black metal's ritualistic sacrifices. What looms from Nightbringer can only be labeled occult black metal; rather, the themes and symbols of dark art are carefully exploited throughout "Hierophany of the Open Grave" within the band's esoteric conjurations of darkness and doom. Musically, Nightbringer is at the very least unique, considering this channeled essence of shade.Nightbringer's music is hard to describe, but it is certainly captivating in its own right. The group's individualistic take on black metal is simultaneously epic and brooding in its harrowing nature. The opening moments of "Rite of the Slayer Tongue" prove Nightbringer flies way above the expectations of basic black metal, as twisting tremolo riffs and harsh vocals mend into rapid percussion and an explosive sound quality that captures every element of ruin within Nightbringer's soul. One could say the guitar work is basic for black metal, but the way Nightbringer molds traditional qualities into something diabolical and harnessing is simply nictitating and destructive. What it produces just eclipses the label of words...so dark, unusual, and cursing.
But you'll also notice that Nightbringer has established itself as a fundamental demon in the realms of advanced songwriting once more; the record frequently changes tempo from maniacal, frenzied black metal to haunting, bone-chilled sections of bloodless atmospheres, not to mention the use of pianos are prominent throughout "Old Night" and others, which adds an element of vampirism and occult terror in the process. More importantly, "Hierophany of the Open Grave" lasts for over an hour, spreading this slaying ode to death over nine tracks, never shifting color or ideology in the meantime; however, a number of portions drag on without much direction or usefulness, and ultimately become quite forgettable and taxing despite Nightbringer's primordial abilities.
Obviously, Nightbringer is not for everyone. The way the band weaves between strange riffs and ideals makes "Hierophany of the Open Grave" a difficult item to digest, and it is quite the grueling task to truly listen to the album from head to tail without stopping at first, but it becomes increasingly tolerable the more the listener allows the dark arm of Acheron to reach around and give Nightbringer's blessing. So, if you want something perplexing and different, "Hierophany of the Open Grave" might be the way to go, but be forewarned: the grave is open, and looking to be filled.