Search - Nox Arcana :: Winter's Eve

An Enchanting Winter Wonderland

Camille Ambrose | 12/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nox Arcana returns to the enchanted Ebonshire forest, inviting listeners to enter a haunting winter wonderland. As a follow-up to the band's 2005 opus, Winter's Knight, Winter's Eve sets a serene mood with a combination of moving piano melodies and tranquil acoustic guitar compositions accented by chimes, violins, tolling bells and angelic choirs. Although Nox Arcana is well known for their Gothic soundscapes, this cd contains some of the most beautiful melodies the band has ever written. Tracks like "Frozen Memories," "The Rose of Winter," "Season of Wonder" and "Fading Embers" are simply mesmerizing, while "Ides of December," "The Longest Night" and "Winds of Change" explore the darker mysteries of the night. The opening track "The Messenger" and the inspirational "Pax Terra" utilize Gregorian-style choirs, and modern-day minstrel Jeff Endemann returns as guest vocalists on the haunting title track. There's even a minstrel-style guitar version of Greensleeves that beautifully breathes new life into the classic melody. This is a great alternative to traditional holiday music, especially for those who want to lose themselves in a wintery domain filled with magic and mystery. Highly recommended!"

A Breathtaking and Beautiful Christmas Album

Joseph V. Iorillo | 12/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Winter's Eve is, quite simply, a masterpiece. With its strong hint of medieval-era sacred music, Nox Arcana's second Christmas album is one of those rare holiday albums that can be played at any time of the year. Every track evokes a feeling of romantic mysticism as well as an almost wistful introspection, perfect for the holidays when many people look back on the past year. Every melody is lovely and haunting, but one piece in particular - the guitar- and piano-dominated "The Rose of Winter" - is beautiful beyond words and is easily one of the best compositions I've ever heard. There are many other highlights as well - for example, the moody Gregorian chant "Pax Terra," the lush melancholy piano ode "Starlight Serenade" and the gentle guitar ballad "Serenity." Jeff Endemann's memorable vocals on the title track is another highlight. The poignant and philosophical lyrics of this song are also impressive and are a graceful expression of life's cycle of death and rebirth. Elegant and mesmerizing, Winter's Eve is the perfect Christmas album and a remarkable musical achievement."

Absolute Perfection

Brian Nallick | Mpls, MN | 12/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I guess I can't help but sit here and chuckle as I write this.

When I first heard Nox Arcana's "Winter's Knight" I was lying on the couch watching the snow fall.

It's one of my favorite memories of that winter season.



So, when "Winter's Eve" arrived today and I put it in the stereo I sat on the couch and sure enough it was snowing lightly outside.

The weather conditions were identical to the last time. I was sure I was going to enjoy this immensely.

I was right.

I think too often people (myself included) forget to enjoy the small things about the holiday season.

We get so busy trying to buy the "perfect" gift that we forget to sit down for a moment and reflect on what really matters.

Listening to "Winter's Eve" was one of those small but magical experiences that I'll remember for a long time.



I'm sure you're all wondering how "Winter's Eve" compares to "Winter's Knight".

Honestly?

It surpasses it in every way imaginable.



I usually listen to a new cd and make a mental note of which songs are my personal favorites and which tracks I really don't care for.

By the time I got to track 10 I had given up on that idea.

Every song till that point was everything I've come to love about this group.

Beautiful, haunting melodies that stay with you.

By the time I got to the end of the disc I was ready to write this, it's playing for the second time as I type this.

It's difficult to pick my favorites but if I had to my personal favorites would be.

Track 2 "Frozen Memories"

Track 6 " The Ides of December"

Track 10 "The White Queen"

Track 12 " Starlight Serenade"

Track 13 "Greensleeves" The only traditional song that I could detect on the disc. It is done masterfully.

Track 20 " Winter Rhapsody"

And without a doubt my absolute favorite song is Track 15 "Pax Terra". This is easily one of THE most powerful songs Nox Arcana has ever created. Stunning.



From start to finish this disc simply amazed me with is beauty, it's majesty and it's power.



As much as I love "Winter's Knight" , "Winter's Eve" is bigger, better, more mature and all around the superior of the two.



The one song I really didn't care for upon first listen was the title track itself, "Winter's Eve".

All the songs up to that point are instrumental with choral vocals.

The title track throws actual singing at you which I wasn't expecting.

At first I sat there thinking......meh.

But by the middle of the song I was hooked.

And by the end of the song I can see why Nox Arcana chose Jeff Endemann to do the vocals.

The guy has got some powerful pipes!



This cd is a must have for everyone.

It's one of the many things about Nox Arcana that I like.

Most holiday music is Christian themed.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

But I'm sure other people who are not of the Christian faith would love to have music that speaks to them also.

Nox Arcana's music is almost entirely instrumental making it perfect for not only Christian's but people of the Jewish faith, atheists, agnostics, and pagans as well.

Perfect music without being politically correct or preachy, "Winter's Eve" is the best disc I can think of for just about anyone who practices any or no religion.



Now that I've been able to hear much of Nox Arcana's older material I can honestly say.....

I don't care what category they are.

Are they Goth?

Are they Classical?

Are they New Age?

I think when they first started out, people were willing to write them off as just a Halloween novelty act.

But if you go back and listen to the older material. As timeless and haunting as that material is, the new discs are just so much grander.

Like I said, bigger and better, many groups from all genres don't evolve much and the ones that do usually lose their way.

Nox Arcana is one of the few groups that have evolved and matured into a group that, whether or not they're goth, classical or new age, at this point they're simply untouchable.

No group does what these guys do and not many musicians could.

Amazing.

An amazing amount of growth and maturity on the past few releases especially this one.



I know "Winter's Knight" sold very well and there is no excuse why "Winter's Eve" doesn't rocket to the top of Billboard.

For all of you who buy this disc and love it, I would like to make a small suggestion.

Head on over to the groups web site, you can buy "Winter's Eve" greeting cards for a very reasonable price.

Original artwork by Vargo that family and friends will look at and go WOW!!!

Just don't be surprised if, like me you decide to keep them for yourself instead.

I don't know how long they'll last and the cards themselves are gorgeous.

Pick some up while you can.



I'll sum up "Winter's Eve" like this.

Stunning.

Majestic.

Beautiful.

Everything the group is known for except better.

Highest recommendations to everyone out there.

Happy holidays."