Band: Immortal Remains
Title: Everlasting Night
Label: My Kingdom Music
Distribution: Sonic Rendezvous
Release date: June 2009
Review: CD

The German formation Immortal Remains (there’s also a Texas-based Death Metal band with Funeral Rites-members with the same moniker) was formed in 1996 and released three full length albums: the self-released nameless debut (2003), Porta Ad Tenebras (2004) and Seelenfeuer (2006, limited to only 500 copies). The fourth studio album has duration of forty five minutes and goes strongly on in the vein of the former albums, yet with one exception: for the first time the band seems to have created an album with an own sound. I need to add that the level of originality still is futile, but the passing of certain borders come with a positive effect. Immortal Remains’ symphonic Black Metal contains many tempo- and melody-changes, the keyboards support the whole with an orchestral and bombastic sound, and the production is all right. The mainly fast tracks sometimes throttle down, and several parts are interspersed with acceptable breaks and changes. I’m sure the name of Cradle Of Filth will often come to mind, but I don’t agree with this comparison, except for the Gothic/Symphonic approach. Andreas Hohwieler’s screams and grunts might remind to Mr D. Filth’s vocal eruptions, but musically, this band differs. There certainly is a clear link with the German scene, but also the Norwegian one has been of influence. Several riffs, the epic approach within some parts, and some rhythmic melodies exhale something Nordic, and this combination (Germanic-Nordic) makes Everlasting Night an interesting recommendation to a wide audience (everything between Dimmu Borgir, Agathodaimon, Cryptic Wintermoon, Mystic Circle, Odium, Infernal Beauty and yes, Cradle Of Filth).

80/100

Ivan Tibos.