From 1997, Goat Horns is Nokturnal Mortum's first full length album. At first listen I was struck by the originality of this work. The keyboards are prominent and well used throughout this album, surpassing even Emperor in the symphonic aspect. I thought the guitar should be louder in the mix, but now after several listens I don't mind anymore. None of the metal songs on this album are shorter than 7 minutes long, and I feel that this makes the songs much richer as it allows them to develop into experiences that shorter songs cannot offer.Black Moon Overture is a beautiful keyboard overture which appropriately sets the dark and fantastic mood which is constant throughout the entire album. It begins slowly with a dark melody and very grim feel to it, and eventually it evolves into fantastic journey with an epic feel to it, reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.
Kuyaviya is the first metal song on this album and begins with a powerful and moving start. The keyboard parts are very well done. Near the end it becomes very rhythmic and lively before returning to the starting theme.
Goat Horns has the most effective beginning, utilizing dark ambient sounds to achieve the atmosphere of grimness. The song starts to kick off with a military sounding beat and good use of keyboards once again. It then launches into a the bulk of the song, which at first was not very appealing to me but I feel it grows on you. The next section takes a lighter more folk feel, and this contrast contributes greatly to the richness of this fantastic song. And yet the song has still to reach its climax, which is the return of the original theme and is the most moving part of the piece.
Unholy Orathania is one of the more folk songs with a very ethnic feel but it still, as with all the other songs, retains the dark atmosphere that makes with album so good. The comeback of the folk instruments at around the 5 minute mark was especially effective for me.
Veles' Scrolls is the longest song on this album at just under 12 minutes. This song begins with a steady flow of varying and returning melodies that continue for about half the song. Then it really starts to get exciting with some very moving and dynamic parts. Near the end it gets softer and you can hear a low pitched voice talking, followed by a piercing scream accompanied with some keyboard effects. Then the guitar and drums return in a triumphant and conclusive segment which then fades into more tranquil keyboards and ambient sounds.
Kolyada is another very folk sounding song much like Unholy Orathania, maintaining that ethnic feel. Distinctive clean vocals can be heard singing in the parts of the song. As it progresses it holds a few pleasant surprises with some of the catchiest melodies and rhythms to be found in this album.
The album finishes off with Eternal Circle, another keyboard instrumental track. This track is shorter than the first, but holds a much more ambient and contemplative atmosphere, a perfect way to conclude this amazing album. The melodies are well composed and along with the dark ambience they are truly effective.
After several listens to this album, I feel that this band are highly original and stay true to their purpose and have succeeded in creating a work that is highly captivating and a rich experience. What they have achieved I have never seen demonstrated before on a higher level than this. This album falls nothing short of a masterpiece and it is a truly unique experience. I highly recommend it to all people who love black metal with symphonic and folk elements.
