Review: Stormkeep – The Nocturnes of Iswylm

Review by Jeger

Stormkeep – The Nocturnes of Iswylm

Record Label: Vesperian / Metal Blade Records

Year: 2026

Rating: 10/10

In 2017, as Blood Moon rose over the mountainous regions of Denver, Colorado, USA and as the veil between our world and that of high fantasy was torn asunder, a new evil was born… Enter Stormkeep and with them the notion that Symphonic Black Metal is not going anywhere. In what’s become a rather mundane genre, Stormkeep is here to remind us of those glorious days of olde when ancients, Emperor, Old Man’s Child and Dimmu Borgir reigned, but with their very own unique brand of fantasy interwoven throughout their thus far well-received catalogue consisting of one, soon-to-be two LPs: 2021’s “Tales of Othertime” and “The Nocturnes of Iswylm”, scheduled for a June 12 release via Vesperian GmbH / Metal Blade Records.

Stormkeep

All things epic, all the time… From the striking cover art through to the album’s magisterial recording quality and everything in between, “The Nocturnes of Iswylm” is USBM gold. A movement that cannot seem to find a real identity for itself is the USBM scene and Stormkeep just rises above it all with this, their most comprehensive work to date. Track one, “The Taste of Immortal Blood”, following an elegant strings-dominated intro, sets a triumphant tone as all phases kick in; cementing an unmistakable Medieval tone before blasts and wicked riffs ensue. Regal cleans give way to Cradle of Filth-level Gothic tones and even some similar vocalizations to that of the one and only Dani Filth to be taken in. Continuing on with whatever fantasy tale they began telling with their previous album, “Nocturnes” is rife with rich storytelling lyrics and gripping musical passages that evoke imagery of plush Medieval countrysides under crisp starlight, Heroes galloping onwards through perils unimaginable and Dragons swirling over royal Keeps.

The groove-driven “The Black Dragons of Iswylm” alternates between hearty riffs/martial rhythms and swirling vortex-like progressions that push the band’s capacities into the red. What a remarkably talented group and what an impressive record. Stormkeep are proving to possess a most astute BM IQ as well. The vibe is just right and the atmosphere is ominously wicked the way it’s supposed to be until the band takes a leap into progressive territory with “Saccharine Subjugation” and its many colorful parts that unfold towards the end: ethereal melodies, bold cadences, chorales and an atmosphere alive with the energy of a hundred spells being cast. Total and complete immersion now to the point of no return…

For those of you who’ve been fortunate to have listened to “Tales of Othertime”, yes, this one is better; pushing it well into BM album of the year territory for Critics such as Yours Truly. Clinching my album of the month recognition by a long shot are Stormkeep and it’s not even fair. So far, I’ve been able to pick up on influences ranging anywhere from the Aforementioned Cradle and Emperor to fellow Americans, WORM and the mighty Swedes, Opeth. There’s just so much going on and yet it’s all composed so concretely; resulting in what could’ve been a convoluted mess of an LP, but instead, through masterful songwriting, composing, mixing and mastering, we have an intricately woven tapestry of sound. Prepare to be wowed! Awed and even a little aroused… Because Black Metal rarely reaches such heights, unless it’s been created by the legendary, the iconic or by Stormkeep who – with “The Nocturnes of Iswylm” – keep proving themselves to be the cream of contemporary USBM.

It’s a good thing there’s plenty of frigid atmosphere where our boys here are from because this has been one icy composition; one for roaming the frozen countryside, but bundle up! Wouldn’t wanna pull a Valfar… Stormkeep continues to forge their fantasy-laden path toward BM infamy and they make it all seem effortless – the way this album just flowed and the way every part bled so seamlessly into the next are just a couple of examples of why “The Nocturnes of Iswylm” is perfect from top to bottom. Bravo! Enjoy…