BELL OF MIMIR - Nocturne (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

Some bands have a long history of EPs and demos that bring them to a full-length, others seem to hit the ground running immediately. Finnish doom metallers Bell Of Mimir fall in the latter category, with nothing on record before the year of our lord 2025, and only singles to lead up to the thunderous Nocturne. Brought to me by a most trusted doom metal source, they work within the traditional realm, avoiding any tacky fuzz or over the top stonerisms, sticking close to roots that err on the hinges of being epic. However, it may just be easier to say it’s a little louder in execution and a little sadder in vibe.

Despite having such a huge sound, Bell Of Mimir manages to keep things rather compact, staying within the framework of only six tracks on the longer side, but only one (barely) crossing the seven minute mark. The cloudy delivery works as a gradient of gloom, built on crawling riffs that rumble on slower melodies, absent of any sharp edges helped by the ever present bass. This can come off as overwhelming at times, but the howling cleanliness of the vocals that exude layers of hopelessness manage to sound as if it’s being welcomed, or even conjured. Yes, it’s admittedly one-sided across the board, but the brief runtime I’ve mentioned makes that digestible.

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Therefore, the best parts of Nocturne are when you can find breaks in the pattern. “Spell Of Doom” is a personal favorite, not only because it works in softer guitar licks toward the bookends, but because of the cooling center that lets off the dreariness for just a second. Most of the songs opt for a point of turning more threatening with slow alterations of key, something you’d miss if you weren’t zeroed in, and I can appreciate that hidden nuance. Typically that comes in the form of instrumental breaks between the verses, adding just a pinch of personality. “Nightfall” sees itself out with one of the heaviest marches on the record, perhaps highlighting the subtle ability to utilize drum fills more than the others. The bold inclusion of a completely storm-induced closer that feels like more of an effect than a song in “Devil’s Garden” was an interesting choice, but if that was the desired outcome, then I say mission accomplished.
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This may not be what I gravitate to often, but even one listen was striking enough to desire a deeper understanding with several returns. It’s certainly a record to immerse yourself into, rather than accompany something else. Perhaps nothing groundbreaking, but for what the Finns could do in a rather short amount of time, this is a pleasant grower of an album. For those seeking sun and bright feelings, you may want to look elsewhere.

​Bell Of Mimir - Nocturne was released May 16th, 2025 via Octopus Rising/Argonauta Records. Find it here!

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​Bell Of Mimir can be found at Bandcamp and Instagram
Cover Art: "The Swing" by Jean Honoré Fragonard