Order of Nosferat is a name which has been making waves throughout the underground during the last few years. And although the term “Vampyric Black Metal” has gathered somewhat of a negative connotation as of late, OON is one of the few forerunners who still employ the due seriousness to the genre in question.
Thus, it came as a surprise that their new album, “The Absence of Grace ”, would distance itself from the traditional vampiric themes that became so synonymous with the band.
But the truth is that OON’s newest output is a testament to the creativity and adaptability of its members.
Although all of their past albums used melancholic and contemplative elements to an extent, what the listener will find here is a much sadder and bleak soundscape. There’s a sense of looming hopelessness which permeates the whole album that merges quite flawlessly with their trademark dark ambient passages in between tracks.
Moreover, there’s a weird sense of nostalgic familiarity throughout the album, but especially on the track “Devoured by lurking shadows”, which explores many different tinges of unique aspects in Black Metal, giving it an almost darkly magical atmosphere.
From the excellent synth work, to the hypnotic riffs and the awe inspiring vocal delivery, “The Absence of Grace” is one of the shining highlights for 2024 so far and for OON’s career as well.
