Nightmare
The Burden of God
Rating
Style: Power Metal
Release date: 18 May, 2012
Playing time: 52:44
 

With 2 albums in the eighties the band started their second career in 2001 with the release of 'Cosmovision'. After that they released albums on a regular base and 'The Burden of God' is their eighth release so far. In 2009 they surprised me with their heaviest album to date called 'Insurrection'. Fans of a band like Nevermore should appreciate that album too.

The new album is again rather heavy, but has more melody. The keyboards are more in front of the mix and the album has a better production too. Patrick Liotard is responsible for that and he even wrote two tracks; "Final Outcome" and 'Afterlife". These two tracks are not typical for Nightmare, but have a more modern sound. The thrashy power riffs and the powerful voice of Jo Amore together with the keyboards make this release the most mature one to date. The concentration of the riffs and the keys are well arranged and make the album sound warm, heavy and melodic at the same time. Although aging, Jo Amore's typical powerful and a bit hoarse singing style hasn't declined a bit.

 

Ever since I saw the band at Dokk'em Open Air (2010), the man can't do no wrong. With his climbing act in the poring rain he personally lured the people outside instead of hiding for the rain in the festival tent. The most impressive song is the third part of "The Dominion Gate". With female singing of Magali Luyten (Epysode, Beautiful Sin, Virus IV), grunts of Loudblast singer Stéphane Buriez and orchestral arrangements done by Jonathan Ménard (Veloce Hystoria), it marks a successful finish of this trilogy.

If you like their three latest releases you will love this one too.


Tracklist

01. Gateways to the Void (intro)
02. Sunrise in Hell
03. The Burden of God
04. Crimson Empire
05. Children of the Nation
06. The Preacher
07. Shattered Hearts
08. The Doomsday Prediction
09. The Dominion Gate (Part III)
10. Final Outcome
11. Afterlife (bonus on first pressing)

Label: AFM Records
Distribution: Target (Denmark)
Reviewed by: Reinier de Vries
Date: 15 May, 2012
Website: www.nightmare-metal.com