NIGHTMARE – Aeternam

Eternal Metal

French heavy metal pioneers Nightmare have been an integral part of the European metal scene for the past three decades. The band have been prolific with their album releases, always updating and evolving their sound over the years. 2016 found the band taking a new direction with female vocalist Maggy Luyten (Beautiful Sin, Beyond The Bridge, ex-Ayreon), original member Yves Campion on bass, with Franck Milleliri and Matt Asselberghs continueing on guitars and songwriting duties. The resulting album Dead Sun showed that they had a great chemistry, and though Luyten’s role has been filled by Madie (Faith In Agony) on the new album, the band just seems to get better and better with time.

Haunting Vocals

Aeternam has all of the best elements that make up a great metal album, from kick ass thrash riffs, to haunting screams and technically amazing drums. Vocalist Madie is a great addition to the lineup, adding a very unique and solid vocal performance. The vocal harmonies are perfectly layered and built up for drama, playing along side the precision guitars. The album was mixed and mastered in Simone Mularoni’s Domination Studio in Italy and is probably their best effort to date. 30 years of tweaking and it’s no surprise that Nightmare knows how to get it right.

Favorite Tracks

“Divine Nemesis” tops the list for this reviewer with it’s thrashy galloping riffs and harmony guitars, topped by Madie’s powerful performance and strong melodies. The song takes a turn in the middle to an almost Judas Priest style, melding thrash with classic metal to make a for kick ass song. “Lights On” has great hooks, foot stomping rhythms and blazing guitars to keep you coming back for more. The title track “Aeternam” takes it up a notch, making it all worth waiting for when it comes up at track 7.

Final Notes

It’s impressive that a band with this history is still making valid music that shows a continual evolution as time marches on. Nightmare looks to be as strong a force in the Metal scene as ever. This album get’s under your skin (in a good way) the more you hear it, which is something that you always hope will happen. From start to finish Aeternam is an excellent Power/Thrash/ Symphonic Metal blend that has something for everyone, and should be in your album collection in physical form (support your bands, so they can keep bringing you metal!).

Lineup

Madie – Vocals
Yves Campion – Bass & Vocals
Franck Milleliri – Guitar
Matt Asselberghs – Guitar & Vocals
Niels Quiais – Drums

Aeternam Tracklist

1. Temple of Acheron
2. Divine Nemesis
3. The Passenger
4. Downfall of A Tyrant
5. Crystal Lake
6. Lights On
7. Aeternam
8. Under the Ice
9. Black September
10. Anneliese