Stream the Debut EP from Nightkin, Featuring Current and Former Members of The Red Chord and The Black Dahlia Murder

The Red Chord may currently be “in a state of limbo,” but guitarist Mike McKenzie is certainly keeping busy: in case the debut album from his doom metal project, Stomach Earth, wasn’t enough Gun in your Face for 2013, Nightkin, the band for which he sings but does not play an instrument, have now released their debut album, Nox Æterna (it’s Latin for “night forever,” or “forever night,” if you’re feeling slightly more poetic).

Fans of The Red Chord should be forewarned that Nox Æterna sounds nothing like that band; instead, it leans more heavily towards The Black Dahlia end of the death metal spectrum — it’s heavy and rabid, but it’s also melodic, catchy, and cinematic. Obviously, this isn’t a bad thing, nor is it particularly surprising: McKenzie’s Nightkin bandmates include drummer Zack Gibson and guitarist Dave Lock, who were both formerly in The Black Dahlia Murder. (The line-up is rounded out by guitarist Matt Gauntlett and bassist Matt West.)

In any case, I’ve already listened to Nox Æterna twice this morning. It absolutely rules. Skip it at your own peril.

You can stream  Æterna below and buy it here. Fingers crossed these dudes get to do some touring in the not-too-distant future.