Kicking off 2025 with an evocative debut, Veil of Sound unveils the latest single from Noctambulist, the atmospheric black metal outfit hailing from Tilburg, Netherlands. With “Gevoelsmens,” the third track from their forthcoming album, Noctambulist II: De Droomt, set to release on February 7 via These Hands Melt, the band delivers a powerful statement on the tension between past and present, fear and hope.
At first listen, “Gevoelsmens” may surprise with its somewhat uplifting guitar intro. The opening feels almost cheerful, an unexpected choice in the often dark and brooding world of atmospheric black metal. However, this tonal shift is anything but random—it mirrors the song’s deeper narrative about nostalgia and the bittersweet ache of reflecting on one’s prime. As the band explains, “‘Gevoelsmens’ is a song about nostalgia and living in the past. It invokes the fear of being past one’s prime while at the same time maintaining some hopeful optimism.”
This nuanced theme unfolds masterfully as the track progresses. The initial optimism is quickly overtaken by a storm of despair—a sonic representation of the disorienting realization of life’s fleeting nature. Noctambulist balances this raw emotional intensity with cinematic blackgaze undertones that weave through the track, lending an almost widescreen, filmic quality to the listening experience. These atmospheric layers don’t just enhance the mood but create a sense of immersion, as though the listener is being drawn into the heart of the storm itself.
The title, which translates to “Emotional Person,” couldn’t be more fitting. “Gevoelsmens” encapsulates the whirlwind of feelings that accompany a reflective mind, from the longing for what once was to the cautious optimism of what might still come. The high-pitched opening note serves as a signal flare, ushering in the chaotic beauty of the track—a hallmark of Noctambulist’s ability to marry emotional depth with musical intensity.
For fans eager to experience the full breadth of Noctambulist’s artistry, Noctambulist II: De Droomt promises to be a journey as rich and layered as this single. Preorders are available now through These Hands Melt, and if “Gevoelsmens” is any indication, the rest of the album will be just as dense, dynamic, and emotionally resonant. Prepare to lose yourself in Noctambulist’s world—where nostalgia and ferocity collide in spectacular fashion.
Noctambulist are
J.D. Kaye – Vocals & Guitar
Stef Heesakkers – Guitar
Tristan Tabbers – Guitar
Sam C.A. – Bass
Mitchell Scheerder – Drums
“Noctambulist II: De Droom” can be pre-ordered via These Hands Melt: https://lnk.to/noctambulist
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