Nocte Obducta - Stille

This is an excellent EP from German black metallers Nocte Obducta. A different direction than their previous material, the music is dark and melodic, often switching between clean guitar tones and aggressive distortion. Most of the songs are modestly paced dreamy and soothing, something you can meditate to. Vocals range from low soft whispering growls to black metal shrieks, to choral-like chanting.

The second track "Tochter Des Mondes" opens up with a clean, lamenting Pink Floyd-esque guitar line that soon distorts into the main theme of the song. The next track, "Der Regen" is more of a straight forward metal song with low death metal growls.

I am honestly impressed with the variety of music offered on this short EP. Stand out tracks are "Die Schwane Im Moor," "Tochter Des Mondes," and "Vorbei." Overall this release is a cut above the standard black metal fare. I haven't heard Nocte Obducta's subsequent releases, but if this is any indication of their new direction, I'll be picking them up immediately!