Nox Arcana, already proved to be a master of this sub-genre, will lead
you on a journey through mysterious world of pirates an dark deep seas. Surely
one of the best efforts from Nox Arcana.
Metal-Sound.net
Nox Arcana's outstanding body of work pushes Gothic music to the outer limits of its genre. No true Goth fan should miss these albums.
European Progressive Rock Reviews, April 2009
Nox Arcana takes us on a musical journey that is one that you'll return to time and time again.
Kitley's Krypt
Nox Arcana goes the
extra mile to ensure that there’s no doubt as to their inspiration. Phantoms
of the High Seas features
21 tracks of remarkable diversity... the clever inclusion of occasional key
elements such as cannon bursts, pirate-specific lyrics, and sea-storms nicely
directs the ears and imagination to where they should be – (say it with me,
now) Pirates!
Bilgemunky
So beware the whispering wind... A phantom ship appears in the
fog, torn sails, cruising eerily through the night underneath the full moon's
blue light, as the ghosts of maritime swashbucklers arise from the deep to
tell of deadly adventures... Based upon the travels of an accursed vessel named
The Tempest, and beginning with an appropriately gruff narration as if spoken
by Blackbeard himself, setting the tone for this morbid excursion (complete
with the chanting of "Yo-Ho..." in the
background), Phantoms of The High Seas is a splendid Gothic translation
of Pirate lore, with choirs and sound-effects to richly compliment and accentuate
the tenebrous orchestrations. Also featured is a haunting vocal piece entitled "Fate
of The Tempest" sung by
'Ty Cook', which recounts the tale. The lavishly decorated booklet is your
treasure map to the musickal gems herein, filled with darksome illustrations
from the quest which will accompany you along your journey. 'Neath the black
banner of the Jolly Roger do we sail for gold and treasures unimagined in splendor.
May greed be your guide, and may the cleverest survive to enjoy the booty!
Malefick Musick, Fangoria
The Halloween season wouldn't be the same without a new release from the kings
of the gothic soundscape, Nox Arcana. Their latest cd, Phantoms of the High
Seas, is a spellbinding concept album based on legends of ghost ships and pirate
lore. A moody intro, appropriately named "Dead Men Tell No Tales," sets
the scene for the 20 sinister instrumental pieces that follow, delivering over
an hour of music. Tracks like "Pirates," "Crossfire," and "Skull
and Crossbones" are full-blooded pirate epics, while "Widow's Harbor," "Black
Sails" and "Still Waters" conjure a haunting mood. Guest vocalist
Ty Cook lends his voice to the eerie ballad "Fate of the Tempest," telling
the tale of a cursed ghost ship that haunts misty night. Soaring choirs, symphonic
orchestrations, moody sound effects and ominous chants create one unforgettable
anthem after another, capturing the true spirit of the haunted sea. In Nox
Arcana's trademark style, the cd booklet is filled with lavish artwork depicting
spectral ships, ancient maps and a hidden treasure quest. Fans of Pirates
of the Caribbean are sure to love this cd. Highly recommended.
Devon King, Dark Realms