NIGHTMARE'S END

"Blackened Mystery" (Siegen Records; 2000)

Reviewed by TBJ

When I first listened to this CD, I felt puzzled. The band's imagery is a cross between King Diamond/Mercyful Fate and Cradle of Filth, but cheaper. This bands sound is more reminiscent of King Diamond (the band) than Mercyful Fate in that it is moodier and more gothic than anything else. 

What I don't understand is if this is supposed to be a joke or not. I mean, the cover art and pictures look like they were taken right out of the 80's "Satanic Rock Book of Clichés" (nothing against the 80's, but come on people, there were far cooler things in those days than having a skull or crystal ball in your hands). 

As for the music, being this is a retro metal thing, those people into King Diamond and Mercyful Fate will be delighted to know there are still bands that are doing this sort of thing and that like to pay tribute to "dark scary metal." I, myself, prefer the updated versions of "scary metal" that Cradle of Filth so gracefully produce. 

Don't get me wrong: the music here is very well played and the production is good. But this is a case where the packaging is so overdone it actually hurts your impression of the music and that doesn't happen very often. If King Diamond knock-offs are your thing then get this; if not, then buy Midian instead.

Nightmare's End is: Dan-O (Nightmare) Labrosse - vocals; Rikki Starz- guitars; Tyson Riple - bass; Raven Murray - drums; Steve Nelson - guest guitarist.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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Copyright © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.