EPICHRON
NIGHTCHILD

2025

PERFUMER
Michael Nordstrand

clary sage
crysanthemum
cistus
cypress
gentian root
labdanum
frankincense
spruce
lavender
cedarwood
patchouli
candlewood
cade
musk

‘Somewhere between the shadows and sublime moonlight, stars glow like embers above towering conifers, their silhouettes dissolving in the endless night. Winds whisper; time stops. incense vapour reveals a world of deep greens and lissome herbs laced with smouldering resin, moss and distant fire: the breath of the ancient forest. The sky burns with the sudden incandescence of the aurora, stirring memories from deep within the earth, an echo of nature’s dark materials. Was it all a dream?’ – Epichron

Epichron is the sister brand to One Day, which has been one of my favorite brands in recent years. Whereas Epichron’s first release, Twin Peaks, was out of the norm for me, but ultimately a very strong like, Nightchild may be a bit too far from comfort for my taste.

This is especially true for the late drydown and the intial impression, which are both very earthy. The first scent I get is dry, woody-earthy-forest vibes, which looking at the notes should be no surprise. It is however, much less green than I anticipated based on the description and images. It grows rather sweet, so for a while, Nightchild bordered on being to my liking.

There is a spicy, bready, gourmand facet to the mid of the wear that I enjoy. Similar to perhaps a Strangers SM Cafe or even the original Thomas de Monaco Raw Gold; earthy, smoky, spicy sweetness. There are some nutty and resinous facets here too. However, as it moves into the drydown, the final hours are back in full musty-earthy setting again; reminding me of a cabin in the woods or an old cellar.

Well-crafted for sure and if you’re into the foresty-earthy scent profiles like patchouli-forward fragrances more than I am, Nightchild has a lot to offer, but it’s one that I wouldn’t be able to pull off on a regular basis.