…And So The Night Became was the second Black Metal album I
ever bought when I was just 13. I
remember being initially reeled in by the ultra-grim, black and red cover. Back then I was rather on the fence about it
because of its dreary, repetitive nature.
Now, listening to it with mature ears I realize just how much of an
overlooked gem it really is. Until their
most recent album, this was Aeternus’ best work full of memorable riffs, tight
musicianship and great atmosphere. What
really sets this album apart, though, is the quality of the clean, slow
parts. You see, in most Metal, folk
instruments and clean guitars are really just a novelty. Aeternus are such well-rounded musicians,
though, that their mellow moments are every bit as good as the Blackness that
is the bulk of their material. Like
Setherial’s Nord, and Emperor’s Anthems,
…And So The Night Became represents the best of the late 90’s Norwegian
scene.
