Nocturnal Rites is a Swedish power metal band from Umeå, formed in 1990 and active until their indefinite hiatus in 2018. During that time, the band released 9 studio albums in total. While not among the biggest power metal names in Sweden, they attained a loyal following and are well respected for their heavier take on power metal, utilizing seven-string guitars on their early 2000s albums like Afterlife and Shadowland. Originally started as a death metal band, Nocturnal Rites was named Necronomic before switching to their current name during 1990. Their early demos, such as Demo 1 and Promo 1992, showcase this death metal era. By the time the band released their debut album In a Time of Blood and Fire in 1995, they had suddenly switched to power metal with strong influences from both Helloween and Iron Maiden. On follow-up Tales of Mystery and Imagination, guitarist Nils Norberg joined the band and their sound began to focus more on Helloween-influenced power metal, dropping the NWOBHM elements. Vocalist Anders Zackrisson would leave after their third album The Sacred Talisman in 1999, being soon replaced by Jonny Lindqvist. The change in vocals would also signal a significant stylistic shift into a much heavier rhythmic and riff-centric approach to power metal. During this era of the band, they would release some of their most critically acclaimed records in Afterlife, Shadowland, and New World Messiah. 2005 marked yet another style change for the band with the release of Grand Illusion, taking on a much more accessible melodic and vocal-centric form than before. This new direction was frowned upon by some long-time fans, but the album was praised by many others as well. Doubling down on this change, the band would release controversial 2007 follow-up The 8th Sin, adding pop and electronic influences to their new sound. On June 21st, 2008 it was announced that Nils Norberg has left Nocturnal Rites. On May 9th, 2010, Chris Rörland (who would later join Sabaton) joined the band. A video of him playing and Fredrik Mannberg talking a bit about him can be seen here, although no new material released during his tenure. After a decade-long wait and another guitarist change to Per Nilsson (from Scar Symmetry), they released their currently final album Phoenix in 2017, by and large following along the steps of Grand Illusion. They would go inactive during 2018, and as of 2025, the current status of the band is still unknown. Studio albums 1995 - In a Time of Blood and Fire 1997 - Tales of Mystery and Imagination 1999 - The Sacred Talisman 2000 - Afterlife 2002 - Shadowland 2004 - New World Messiah 2005 - Grand Illusion 2007 - The 8th Sin 2017 - Phoenix