Nocturnal Departure set release date for new album ‘Spiritual Cessation’

Hells Headbangers announced May 8th as the international release date for Nocturnal Departure‘s highly anticipated third album, Spiritual Cessation, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

In 2022, Nocturnal Departure made their presence felt in the international black metal underground with the release of their second album, Clandestine Theurgy, courtesy of new label home Hells Headbangers. Here, the Canadians delivered a masterclass in late ’90s black metal, particularly that found on North American soil during that time: traditional, yes, but with an acidic personality all its own. Raw, desperate violence had been harnessed into a haunting panoply of indeed-clandestine arts.

Now, Nocturnal Departure emerge from winter snows with torches ablaze on their third full-length, Spiritual Cessation. This album marks a significant milestone for the band, introducing their first recordings with new members Folterer on guitars and Hexzul on drums. Their addition brings renewed intensity, precision, and depth to the evolving Nocturnal Departure sound, rendered in raw-yet-ringing tones and even-more-haunting atmosphere. From a songwriting standpoint, Spiritual Cessation represents a natural progression—their most focused, dynamic, and professionally realized material to date, all within the remit of proudly ancient BLACK METAL. While the album explores new territory, be it wider variety of riffcraft or remarkably fluid rhythmic shifts, it remains firmly rooted in the identity and foundation that define Nocturnal Departure. Truly, this is “Deathcraft Majesty,” to invoke one of the record’s highlights.

Featuring striking cover artwork by Greallach Arts, the visual presentation reflects the themes and atmosphere of Spiritual Cessation, offering a glimpse into the depth and spirit behind the music. Nocturnal Departure will debut material from the album in May while touring alongside Canadian acts Spectral Wound and Nächtlich.

In the meantime, hear the recently revealed title track “Spiritual Cessation” HERE at Hells Headbangers‘ official YouTube channel.

Preorder info can be found HERE. Aforementioned cover artwork and tracklisting are as follows:

Tracklisting for Nocturnal Departure’s Spiritual Cessation
1. Spiritual Cessation
2. Chthonic Upheaval
3. Altars of Evocation
4. Malefic Requiem
5. Deathcraft Majesty
6. Vanity in Bloodshed
7. Torch of Dedication
8. Mental Abyss