Nuctemeron – Demonic Sceptre

I am not sure if this material is that good or if I have been missing a decent black/speed/thrash sonic attack? Studying the scene intensively for the past 30 years I have to say that there’s a lack of black/speed/thrash metal bands in the old-school raw manner. German quartet (from Trier, in the region of Rhineland-Palatinate) from Nuctemeron are here to change that!

Band is comprised of Lunatic Aggressor (bass & vocals), Christhunter (drums), Exterminator (guitars & backing vocals), Volcanic Slut (bass). After twelve years activity, numerous splits and EPs, the long awaited debut full-length entitled Demonic Sceptre is finally upon us. Released through I Hate Records, this debut nine-tracker gathers many of the band’s songs from prior singles, EPs and splits, is an all-out speed metal assault from start to finish. It consists of nine original songs and a cover of Venom’s “Angel Dust” as the closing track on Demonic Sceptre.

There’s a big diversity and variation between the songs, every track with its own identity, while still keeping the old-school spirit alive. It’s filled with bursts of intensity and maniacal high-speed riffing and an extreme rhythmic shuffling. It’s packed with thrashy and killer riffs, harsh, venomous and shrieking vocals, striking melodies and catchy hooks in tow. When it comes to the lyrical content, I simply adore bands that so visibly lean into Satanic/demonic themes, war and destruction, which is obviously also the case on Demonic Sceptre.

The production is overwhelming – sounding raw and powerful, while remaining clear compact sound with plenty of dynamic shifts. The overall atmosphere exudes a sense of reckless and old-school evil/occult retro vibe, being pretty claustrophobic. From cover art, over song-writing, to production, Demonic Sceptre is strong and impressive debut album.

With the release of Demonic Sceptre, Nuctemeron tickles the nostalgic nerves of all fans of the intense speed/black metal bands from the mid- to late eighties! Leather, spikes, chains and bullet belts combined with German sentiment and passion for black/speed/thrash metal secure a winning formula! So, grab a copy of Demonic Sceptre if you worship the likes of Sodom, Nifelheim, Tormentor, Bathory, Venom, Destruction, Slayer, and especially those with great reverence for both 80’s and 90’s black & speed metal acts.

To get additional information on Demonic Sceptre visit I Hate Records bandcamp or just listen to the whole release below.