Customer Reviews

Winter's Eve

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Nox Arcana returns to the enchanted Ebonshire forest, inviting listeners to enter a haunting winter wonderland. As a follow-up to the band's 2005 opus, Winter's Knight, Winter's Eve sets a serene mood with a combination of moving piano melodies and tranquil acoustic guitar compositions accented by chimes, violins, tolling bells and angelic choirs. Although Nox Arcana is well known for their Gothic soundscapes, this cd contains some of the most beautiful melodies the band has ever written. Tracks like "Frozen Memories," "The Rose of Winter," "Season of Wonder" and "Fading Embers" are simply mesmerizing, while "Ides of December," "The Longest Night" and "Winds of Change" explore the darker mysteries of the night. The opening track "The Messenger" and the inspirational "Pax Terra" utilize Gregorian-style choirs, and modern-day minstrel Jeff Endemann returns as guest vocalists on the haunting title track. There's even a minstrel-style guitar version of Greensleeves that beautifully breathes new life into the classic melody. This is a great alternative to traditional holiday music, especially for those who want to lose themselves in a wintery domain filled with magic and mystery. Highly recommended!

Winter's Eve is, quite simply, a masterpiece. With its strong hint of medieval-era sacred music, Nox Arcana's second Christmas album is one of those rare holiday albums that can be played at any time of the year. Every track evokes a feeling of romantic mysticism as well as an almost wistful introspection, perfect for the holidays when many people look back on the past year. Every melody is lovely and haunting, but one piece in particular - the guitar- and piano-dominated "The Rose of Winter" - is beautiful beyond words and is easily one of the best compositions I've ever heard. There are many other highlights as well - for example, the moody Gregorian chant "Pax Terra," the lush melancholy piano ode "Starlight Serenade" and the gentle guitar ballad "Serenity." Jeff Endemann's memorable vocals on the title track is another highlight. The poignant and philosophical lyrics of this song are also impressive and are a graceful expression of life's cycle of death and rebirth. Elegant and mesmerizing, Winter's Eve is the perfect Christmas album and a remarkable musical achievement.

I guess I can't help but sit here and chuckle as I write this.
When I first heard Nox Arcana's "Winter's Knight" I was lying on the couch watching the snow fall.
It's one of my favorite memories of that winter season.

So, when "Winter's Eve" arrived today and I put it in the stereo I sat on the couch and sure enough it was snowing lightly outside.
The weather conditions were identical to the last time. I was sure I was going to enjoy this immensely.
I was right.
I think too often people (myself included) forget to enjoy the small things about the holiday season.
We get so busy trying to buy the "perfect" gift that we forget to sit down for a moment and reflect on what really matters.
Listening to "Winter's Eve" was one of those small but magical experiences that I'll remember for a long time.

I'm sure you're all wondering how "Winter's Eve" compares to "Winter's Knight".
Honestly?
It surpasses it in every way imaginable.

I usually listen to a new cd and make a mental note of which songs are my personal favorites and which tracks I really don't care for.
By the time I got to track 10 I had given up on that idea.
Every song till that point was everything I've come to love about this group.
Beautiful, haunting melodies that stay with you.
By the time I got to the end of the disc I was ready to write this, it's playing for the second time as I type this.
It's difficult to pick my favorites but if I had to my personal favorites would be.
Track 2 "Frozen Memories"
Track 6 " The Ides of December"
Track 10 "The White Queen"
Track 12 " Starlight Serenade"
Track 13 "Greensleeves" The only traditional song that I could detect on the disc. It is done masterfully.
Track 20 " Winter Rhapsody"
And without a doubt my absolute favorite song is Track 15 "Pax Terra". This is easily one of THE most powerful songs Nox Arcana has ever created. Stunning.

From start to finish this disc simply amazed me with is beauty, it's majesty and it's power.

As much as I love "Winter's Knight" , "Winter's Eve" is bigger, better, more mature and all around the superior of the two.

The one song I really didn't care for upon first listen was the title track itself, "Winter's Eve".
All the songs up to that point are instrumental with choral vocals.
The title track throws actual singing at you which I wasn't expecting.
At first I sat there thinking......meh.
But by the middle of the song I was hooked.
And by the end of the song I can see why Nox Arcana chose Jeff Endemann to do the vocals.
The guy has got some powerful pipes!

This cd is a must have for everyone.
It's one of the many things about Nox Arcana that I like.
Most holiday music is Christian themed.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
But I'm sure other people who are not of the Christian faith would love to have music that speaks to them also.
Nox Arcana's music is almost entirely instrumental making it perfect for not only Christian's but people of the Jewish faith, atheists, agnostics, and pagans as well.
Perfect music without being politically correct or preachy, "Winter's Eve" is the best disc I can think of for just about anyone who practices any or no religion.

Now that I've been able to hear much of Nox Arcana's older material I can honestly say.....
I don't care what category they are.
Are they Goth?
Are they Classical?
Are they New Age?
I think when they first started out, people were willing to write them off as just a Halloween novelty act.
But if you go back and listen to the older material. As timeless and haunting as that material is, the new discs are just so much grander.
Like I said, bigger and better, many groups from all genres don't evolve much and the ones that do usually lose their way.
Nox Arcana is one of the few groups that have evolved and matured into a group that, whether or not they're goth, classical or new age, at this point they're simply untouchable.
No group does what these guys do and not many musicians could.
Amazing.
An amazing amount of growth and maturity on the past few releases especially this one.

I know "Winter's Knight" sold very well and there is no excuse why "Winter's Eve" doesn't rocket to the top of Billboard.
For all of you who buy this disc and love it, I would like to make a small suggestion.
Head on over to the groups web site, you can buy "Winter's Eve" greeting cards for a very reasonable price.
Original artwork by Vargo that family and friends will look at and go WOW!!!
Just don't be surprised if, like me you decide to keep them for yourself instead.
I don't know how long they'll last and the cards themselves are gorgeous.
Pick some up while you can.

I'll sum up "Winter's Eve" like this.
Stunning.
Majestic.
Beautiful.
Everything the group is known for except better.
Highest recommendations to everyone out there.
Happy holidays.

I recently attended a great holiday party at a friends home this past December and they were playing this totally hypnotic and at the same time exciting CD. Everyone at the party commented on it and were told that it was "Winter's Eve" by a group called Nox Arcana. We all loved it---even my husband who usually doesn't like anything but country music. We simply had to have it, therefore, we ordered it and have been playing it not just for parties, but anytime we feel we want some relaxing and soothing background music. Thank you, Nox Arcana. We really think this music is awesome.

I tend to wax a bit poetic about Nox Arcana, because that's what they inspire- poetry, enchantment, magic in all it's forms and guises. But this time there is nothing I could say that could capture the beauty and majesty of this CD. It is simply exquisite and I love it. Each unique song evokes an experience in which the doorway to another realm is held wide open, inviting you to step through. I had chills listening to this CD and it had nothing to do with the weather outside, by the time I got to "Winter's Eve", with the talented Jeff Endemann returning to lend his heartfelt vocals I was spellbound. Yes, it's a Holiday CD, but I'll be playing it long into the dark cold nights of Winter. Highly recommended.

We all know how dark and foreboding Nox Arcana can sound, and when we listening to any of their CD's around people who haven't heard of Nox Arcana, people can get the wrong impression. My experience is that some women aren't too quick to understand the appeal of Nox Arcana.

This album of Winter's Eve is a great CD to share with people to introduce Nox Arcana to new listeners. It emulates more of a female persuasion that opens the door to re-introduce their other albums to new listeners.

My friends (and family) may not think I'm so creepy now that I've shared this CD with them. This CD is a good move for Nox Arcana. A good sales strategy. People who didn't understand my other Nox Arcana CD's, are now a little more open-minded to hear their other CD's after they've heard Winter's Eve.

I love this CD. It has all the right high notes, acoustic guitars, bells.....you name it, and every relevant sound is here. In short, it depicts winter and all its magic, wonderment, nostalgia, charm, beauty, elegance, softness, and even harshness. Nox Arcana brings to life winter as never heard before. The music is very magical, and perfect for any post-Thanksgiving family activity, such as putting up the tree. This CD is the perfect primer for the holidays. The opening track (THE MESSENGER) is a tasteful opening with Christine's voice setting the tone for the CD. This CD is musically diverse, and has some nice vocals thrown in. When listening to this CD, I just want to go to the Ebonshire Forest--too bad it's a mythical place. However, the music will make it feel real, and that's all that counts. This well-crafted CD probably took a long time to compose....it clearly shows in the musicianship. Well done!!! 10/10

With the howling of hell hounds blending with that of blustery winds, what is this that the Krampus brought forth on this fortuitous Krampusnacht? In his big black basket, along with switchels and thorny reeds, is one Winter's Eve CD by Nox Arcana...

Like Winter's Knight, Winter's Eve calls to mind evocations of all those wintery traditions, while the Magic of the season comes alive like first snow when the orchestrations permeate the chilled atmosphere, glowing in the black light of the moon.

As a veritable companion to The Knight on the previous solstice opus, the pleasing cover features the beautiful Queen of Winter coalescing with owl and wolf beneath the silvery ghostly moon as snowflakes gracefully cascade upon the land, blanketing the earth in a white shroud of ice and snow. Dreamlike frosted visions embrace the senses in an enchanted forest elegantly illustrated throughout the booklet.

Along with the eclectic nucleus of Joseph Vargo, the remarkable musical materializations of William Piotrowski, Nox Arcana forms a complimentary quartet, as Christine Filipak lends her voice to the introductory narration "The Messenger", with the title track featuring the vocal talents of Jeff Endemann. A familiar piece in Green Sleeves adds an extra arcane element, and of course, the phantomesque permeation of the Gregorian Shadow Choir echoes darkly across the cathedral of the mind throughout.

As Season Belial transforms to Lucifer, Winter's Eve offers perfect accompaniment to one's nocturnal activities in these cold blissful nights by the yule fire. Have a splendidly sinister Solstice!

This DARK Holiday cd really hits the mark. It truly creates a mood and will get you into the spirit of the season!
Once again proving why they stand alone in the Dark Ambient arena, Nox Arcana has created another masterpiece. Not bogged down by traditional themes or songs they continue to blaze their own trail.

This is a must have!!!

Unto an enchanted Kingdom which doth rise anew with every blanketing of the earth within her pristine ivory garments. Respite be hereby granted us by beloved minstrels of eventime's deepest reaching lore. Aye, here we are bid to walk a gentler path. Come, be ye of good cheer and of courage. Walk amidst the wonders of a snow-laden paradise. Breathe the crisp cool air... and bathe your ears, eyes, mind, and heart, in the wonders of the Ebonshire forest . Walk with Nox Arcana once again unto that blessed realm, and know ye, one and all, the peerless splendor of:

Winter's Eve



1. The Messenger- Hereby are our ears gifted with canticle sweetly intoned. Heavenly choral summons bid us venture forth, to seek shelter for our hearts as the frigid winds whisper through our being. Indeed, shelter we do find, for the Kingdom of Ebonshire doth indeed bid us welcome via choral melody rich and warming. Blended male and female voices lead us to an unspoiled haven clothed in cloud-like hues of flawless white. Further greeting, and counsel is given here by the White Queen of Winter (voiced beautifully by Christine Filipak) as she bids us pay heed to the value of willingness to believe in wonder, and to embrace it, via the following:


"The cold winds of change bring the first frost and snow. As twilight descends upon the earth below. Dreams come to life for those who believe, in the spirit and wonder that surrounds winter's eve


2. Frozen Memories - Trickling piano begins a stately cascade, a dance of beauty through the skies. It is like unto the drifting of tiny ivory petals to the earth. Snowflakes lit by the crescent moon. Tender choral melody and bell-like tones blend in . In like manner gripping strings do sweep o'er our hearts Unto Ebonshire we have returned, a place we have called beloved and still do. It is unchanged by time, and beautiful as ever it was


3. Magic And Moonlight - Piano, bells and chorals waltz anew. Lunar luminescence bathes a vista few mortal hearts could resist Distant fires bring to light a promenade, as white garbed maidens dance in a circle, In their midst doth stand the Monarch, the Lady Of Ebonshire dancing unaffected by the cold. Regal are her steps, and timeless ....as she doth lead the dance, at its end bending, to plant, and to bid us to look upon:


4. The Rose of Winter - Gentle colors painted with the beautifully crying strings of the guitar mate with the soul-stirring call of female choir and drifting piano to paint the flower that is the namesake of the piece 'Tis truly a heavenly blossom, unblemished and pure, standing alone amidst frigid cold and desolation. Ivory petals bravely unfurled, it is the gift of the Queen, and a reminder to everyone that will look upon it, that even in the darkest times, there is still beauty to be found, and there is always hope.



5. Enchanted Realm- Another picture is hereby painted upon the canvas of the heart. Piano, bells, chorals and keys are the brushes used. Bare are the tress of all cover, as deeper into the forest we have gone, but still there is wonder, for upon a distant hill there looms a magnificent castle, veiled in ivory, covered in, or perhaps made of snow and ice, Shelter may be found within, but it is in and of itself a marvel that draweth many a mortal eye.



6. Ides of December - Another regal dance of piano, chorals and bell like tones depicts here unto mine ear the beauty and fury of the winter with rapid melodic runs The steady weight of snowfall, and of blustery winds are beheld . Find ye quickly what shelter ye may. Cling to hope though, for it shall not abandon ye. Beauty abounds, as does hope. Go ye home, for within this snow-clad paradise, thine love awaiteth thee, for to keep thee ever warm.



7. Gifts of the Magi - Exotic beauty be here personified, with Mid-Eastern flavored percussion floating over a meadow adorned with the flowers of dancing guitar and chorals. Making ardent journey are the wise ones of ancient days, through the white clad landscape, for to pay homage to the One promised to bring life and hope.



8. Season of Wonder- Once again do piano and music-box like tinkle of bells drift around us, like a gentle blanket of winter snow, warming the heart with it's beauty. Chorals drifts softly through the piece, the gentle whisper of a lover to an adoring heart. Ah, the joy of holding a beloved's hand, and gazing with gratitude into the beauty of a winter sky shedding it's beautiful petals of ivory.



9. Solstice Dance- Festivity, joy, true gaiety of heart. Kiss of flame upon the skies, giving warmth unto all near. Anew 'round thee do many step lightly, to the beat of tambourine, soft strings, and frolicking guitar, with exultant choral cries. Anon doth the Queen of Winter dance, ladies in waiting gaily clad keeping perfect step, all crowned with ivy and winter berries.



10. The White Queen- Piano, strings and chorals unite in this a stately procession. The gaiety of joyful dance is done. Now the Monarch of Ebonshire Kingdom moves with stately stride over all her domain, casting gentle eyes over that which is left in her charge. Fixing each and everything into her memory, that it may be preserved without blemish when the time is come.



11. Winter's Eve- Regal and wistful guitar melodies and heart-gripping chorals blend with the golden bardic voice of guest vocalist Jeff Endemann Called to mind is a young minstrel with ancient soul, singing a canticle of love and hope, present in even the darkest of days. Life will endure, as will love, and hope, despite any hardship, and in even the deepest darkness, there is beauty to be found.



12. Starlight Serenade- Gentle piano and chorals float into the ears, and into the heart. Waltz-like in tempo, the "brushes" of the melodies paint upon the canvas of the soul a beautiful tapestry...of dancing with a beloved one over the frozen suface of a moonlit winter lake. Seeing starlight reflected in their eyes, and holding the loveliness of their smile forever burned into the heart, as the dance of life, of joy, and of true bliss endures, even despite the cold. Joy, and love, live on.



13. Greensleves- Guitar, soft drums, gentle strings and tolling bells weave a timeless bit of musical fabric for us here. The genius of King Henry the VIII is given new and vibrant life in an arrangement that pays reverent homage unto a melody that has been, and continues to be beloved of millions. Never has it been done like this, and I thank God Almighty that I have ears that work, that I may ingest the splendor, a splendor that brings a smile to the face, tears to the eyes, and joy to the heart. A song of love, beautifully performed, and ever remembered fondly.



14. The Longest Night - Piano, chorals, and tolling bells sing for us here with gently sweeping strings. Once again, warmth is called to mind, the shelter of a lover's arms. Sharing time, and the warmth of a fire, seeking to keep warm as the night of the Winter Solstice is endured.



15. Pax Terra - Given exquisite life here, via the mating of tolling bells, the soft yet regal thunder of timpani drums, and the heavenly soaring cry of blended chorals, is the most beautiful anthem Nox Arcana has woven for us to date. Robed in white, a woman crowned with long flowing hair of burnt copper, dusted with snowflakes, walks with regal step through an ancient chapel, its clear crystal windows bathed in moonlight that catches her form. Eyes the blue of the blemishless skies are in turn lowered reverently, and gazed Heavenward in faith, and hope.



16. Winds of Change- Joyful guitar and piano blend here with soft strings and chorals . Winter is seen, but this time, lovers are at play. Both smiling, running happily through winter meadows falling into each others' arms, and even pelting one other with snowballs on occasion. Happiness abounds, in a tune that will bring another smile to the heart.



17. Fading Embers- From joy, we go headlong to wistful grief. Piano here weeps both for and with us. Its mate is a string melody that will tug on any heart that hears it. Before a flickering fire sits an old man, white haired like the snow, shivering under a blanket with a cup of tea that has gone lukewarm. Before his eyes, ever present, is his wife's grave, and the ghost of her smile. The warmth of the fire may die out, but her memory never will. I must cry too, for I see his own tears, and I feel them. My own heart is weeping.



18. Crystal Chimes- The tinkling of xylophone-like music box tones blends with tolling bells, soaring strings and chorals to paint in my mind the very essence of the beauty of icicles. Ever vigilant they stand, a testament to the beauty and power of the winter season, both adored for their loveliness to the eye, and respected for the cold that brought them into being



19. Serenity - Guitar drifts over the soul, with chorals and tolling bells drifting along in step. Stillness, the calm of a winter morn, shared with one dear to the soul. This be the vista lain before mine own' heart's eyes. The joy of being able, to just...be still, and take in the beauty of nature, no matter the cold.



20. Winter Rhapsody - The piano that here dances over the meadow of the heart is rapid in its pacing. Coupled with soft yet soaring chorals and the tolling of a solstice vesper , it is joined by tinkling bell tones to paint ....as it were... perhaps a moment in time, and the ecstasy that may be felt at beholding the very essence of beauty itself. The pace, the loveliness of the melody... yes, it tells me of one thing, the ecstasy of the soul, at seeing what it considers beautiful.



21. Time Slips Away- The gentle tinkling of bells is joined by regal, stately piano , soaring violin strings and choral tones that stretch forth bravely as if to reach into the highest heaven. It Is not a somber piece, but reflective is a fitting term. Again I see the beauty of Ebonshire Kingdom in all her splendor, but I am reminded of the transitory nature of this life, and that the moments we value within it should be held dear, and precious, for they are fleeting. Still, even in the darkest of times, the light of hope shines, like the rose that blooms in winter time.



Do not hit stop when Time Slips Away goes quiet. The bonus track to be found here is a truly beautiful instrumental canticle that brings the CD to a close in a more than fitting way. In my mind, it makes one recall the cyclical nature of life, but it also reminds me that we will see beauty if we are willing to look, and we will have hope and love, as long as we are willing to hold onto them. Don't lose hope, and don't give up on love. Time is precious, as is life, and all the moments in it we hold dear. Ebonshire Kingdom stands, a testament to beauty even in times of greatest darkness. Shall we pay heed to the words of the White Queen of Winter, and believe in wonder? Yes, I hope so



In closing, I can say no more than this. Nox Arcana's Winter's Eve is a masterpiece. It is a beautiful tapestry of melody that is sure to speak to the heart of any listener. It is a testament to the power of music to touch the soul, bearing a message of hope, of light, and of warmth. The minstrels of the night speak most ably of the beauty of the night, but also of the warmth present in the heart during even the coldest of seasons, if we will only hold on to hope. Will we hold on? Yes, I hope we will.