Review: Nordlys - Lichterglanz Finsternis (2026)
Nordlys’ Lichterglanz Finsternis (7.5/10). This German Black Metal release is a defiant return to form, transporting the listener back to the genre's golden era. Read more!
Band: Nordlys
Album: Lichterglanz Finsternis
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Germany
Label: Solistitium Records
Released: 27th of February 2026
Introduction
NORDLYS is a German black metal band from the first wave of black metal in Germany. The band was founded in 1994. After striking a record deal with renowned German label Solistitium Records, the album 'Lichterglanz Finsternis' will be released on LP (vinyl), Digi-CD, and digitally on the 27th of February 2026. Two pre-singles are done, backed up by videos (Solistitium Records).
Lichterglanz Finsternis
Tracklist:
- Heimgang
- Wolf
- Wilde Natur
- Night!
- Monument der Tränen
- Totenweihe
- Disobey the One
- Northern Lights
The album
Lichterglanz Finsternis starts with Heimgang, immediately transporting the listener back to the golden era of German Black Metal. The atmosphere is thick with a melancholic gloom, driven by the kind of mournful riffing and subtle synth layering that defined early Nargaroth. It’s a moody, well-crafted introduction that sets a high bar for the rest of the record. The momentum shifts with the second track, a standout piece that masterfully bridges the gap between blistering tremolo-picked assaults and haunting, slow-tempo interludes. What truly elevates the experience, however, is the vocal delivery. Eschewing the typical high-pitched shrieks for a deeper, more resonant growl, the performance feels grounded and powerful, a refreshing change of pace for those of us who prefer grit over histrionics. While the album’s DNA is clearly intertwined with the legacy of Nargaroth, to the point where certain riffs feel like a direct nod to “Seven Tears are Flowing to the River” it never feels like a cheap imitation. Instead, it serves as a high-caliber tribute to a specific lineage of Teutonic darkness. In an era where the genre is increasingly diluted by “post-Black” experimentation and shoegaze sensibilities, Lichterglanz Finsternisis a defiant return to form. There are no gimmicks here; just straight-up, emotionally charged black metal that respects the old guard's song structures. A top-tier recommendation for the purists.
Conclusion
If you enjoy early- to mid-nineties German sound, this album will definitely pick you up. Great songwriting and great riffs. However, if you like a more modern approach or sound, it's not going to be for you, I think. As a last remark, I really love the artwork.
BMZ Rating: 7.5/10
