Evig Natt - Vaketimen (2026)

Continuing the torch for that late 90’s, early 2000’s bombastic and explosive Gothic Doom/Death Metal style of bands like Trail of Tears, Theatre of Tragedy, Sirenia and Nox Aurea, today we have Evig Natt with “Vaketimen”. As the band’s first album in almost a decade, this release delivers ten tracks and nearly 50-minutes of high-octane music that is both expertly crafted and in your face.

Kicking off with the dreamy arrangements and piano of “Shimmer”, the release sets a very lush and bombastic vibe as it transitions to the explosive “Last of the Light”. With fierce guitars and crafty drumming this track unravels around harsh male vocals, contrasting Kirsten Jørgensen angelic singing. The beauty-and-the-beast nature of the band’s style works wonders as songs like “Death”, “Når Lyset Svikte”, and “Sorrow My World” masterfully deliver the perfect balance of aggression and calmness, making them quite explosive and engaging.

For those of us that always like a ballad thrown into the mix, “In the Darkness” we once again get a beautiful combination of piano and Kirsten’s talented vocals. As the longest song in this release, “Eahparas” is an excellent melancholic piece that slowly builds up momentum to very cathartic and dramatic moments, definitely one of our favorite songs of 2026. Showcasing their expansive sound, the Folk Metal-ish opening of “Tallmaja” keeps things interesting and the listener fully engaged.

As we close with the solemn “At the End of the Night”, we are left wanting to dig out our old Trail of Tears and Sirenia CDs to keep the vibe going. Evig Natt has always been one of our favorite bands and with “Vaketimen” they return in great form. Never sounding dated, the band’s very dynamic sound is masterfully recorded and mixed to be powerful and yet highlight every detail behind this release. Do not miss out on this gem in 2026.

Rating: 96/100