athousandangelsandseven - athousandangelsandseven

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 27 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. 77 Years of Immeasurable Pain

2. I can't understand how you never thought it would get to this point

3. We Suffer (the Same Fate)

4. Clipped Wings

Yesterday saw the release of the debut EP from US heavy skramz quintet athousandangelsandseven. With four songs spanning less than ten minutes it's already making waves, with almost all of the first pressing of tapes (63) from Zegema Beach Records already sold out. This is a triumph of word-of-mouth at a time when social media is growing larger and more powerful than ever, with the band's online presence stripped back to just Ampwall and bandcamp (oh and Instagram!).

The epitome of DIY, athousandangelsandseven have literally done everything themselves on this release (except for the tapes of course) and the buzz is real. Opener ’77 Years of Immeasurable Pain’ is a crazy blast of mathcore, mixed with grind and screamo of the most ferocious variety. Honestly, I didn’t think we’d reach a point where the likes of Pupil Slicer, Rolo Tomassi and SeeYouSpaceCowboy would be made to sound like easy-listening but here we are.

‘I can’t understand how you never thought it would get to this point’ switches things up with a slower, more atmospheric instrumental approach for its first sixty-seconds before the off-kilter madness returns. The crushing percussion and bass are slightly dwarfed by the dual guitar work and multi-vocal delivery but it all adds up to something quite immense.

With a very emotive and thought-provoking sample as it’s intro, ‘We Suffer (the Same Fate)’ delivers exactly as promised with both stunning accuracy and biting dissonance. I’m still on a tech-death/mathcore binge at the moment and while this EP isn’t the former, it still gives me a reason to grin manically from ear to ear. 

Closer ‘Clipped Wings’ is exactly how every band should end their releases; like a complete and utter sonic wrecking ball! Coming to a close in mystifying fashion, athousandangelsandseven leaves you both speechless and breathless. Out of almost nowhere, this band has ushered in a new level of heaviness that’s gonna be hard to beat.

You can stream and purchase this EP as a name-your-price download via Ampwall below:-

athousandangelsandseven Instagram - @athousandangelsandseven

The remaining tape copies from Zegema Beach Records can be purchased from the below links:-

ZBR Bandcamp - https://zegemabeachrecords.bandcamp.com/album/athousandangelsandseven

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/athousandangelsandseven

ZBR USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/athousandangelsandseven

Telepathy - Transmissions

Labels: Pelagic Records

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 28 Mar 2025

Tracklist:

1. Oath

2. Augury

3. Knife Edge Effect

4. Tears In Fibre

5. A Silent Bridge

6. End Transmission

7. Home

I can't believe that it's already almost the end of January. It seems like a couple of days since I started to plan what I was going to write about this month. I knew early on that I'd be writing about the soon-to-be-released fourth full-length from Polish/English post-metal quartet Telepathy. Transmissions will be released by Pelagic Records in late March and is currently available for pre-order. Residing in the UK, Telepathy have been active as a band since 2011 and have been consistently releasing music ever since. 

I write this review as I eagerly await my first subscription box of the year from Pelagic Records. To be honest, I’ve spent way too much on record this month but let’s gloss over that and get lost in Transmissions, which starts with already available single ‘Oath’. Telepathy’s sound is a beguiling collage of progressive and instrumental post-metal, intertwined with cleverly placed samples and subtle synths. It’s no wonder that Pelagic chose to add them to their roster.

I feel that this year is already shaping up to be a special year for heavy music (I’ve said that a few times already here and I’m sticking by it). Opening with a 9+ minute song in the form of ‘Oath’ shows that Telepathy are here for the long-haul and honestly, it’s the perfect beginning as it effortlessly flows into ‘Augury’, which grows with every bar and note. We need more albums where bands just play constantly and ignore those stupid pauses between songs, as they ruin the flow.

‘Knife Edge Effect’ has a very different feel to it as it’s filled with more samples and elegantly placed synths. It’s not an interlude by any stretch but it relies less on Telepathy’s heavier instrumentation until much later on, where it sounds like they throw in some harsh vocals (that of course may be additional samples). 

The first of two properly lengthy songs is the mid-point number ‘Tears In Fibre’, which weighs in at over 14 minutes and is one of those songs that grows slowly. It’s layered instrumentally in such a way that it’s movements seem to flow in and out like the tide. At this point we’re not even halfway through yet either. The song’s latter half is much more progressive and also slower in tempo as Telepathy move in a sludgier/doomier direction.

‘A Silent Bridge’ isn’t silent but is a bridge between the lengthiest songs on Transmissions. One filled with samples, crackling noise and synth-laden ambience. It gives way to the oddly titled ‘End Transmission’, which isn’t the final song on the album. It is the album’s longest song though and it benefits from a greater playing time, as Telepathy’s instrumentation really deserves it. The song slides effortlessly between heavier movements and quieter ones that are again filled with subtle samples that add more mystique to both band and record.

Album closer ‘Home’ is much more stripped back and  has that warm embrace about it, the sort you get when you return to somewhere familiar and safe. That feeling is banished at the midway point through as Telepathy throw new layers of sound in. After a sudden break in the music, the album ends in haunting fashion. This album gives you a feeling of hope yet also despair. The instrumentation is breathtakingly good throughout but there’s just something about those samples, I just can’t put my finger on what it is. Either way, I can’t wait for it’s official release in March, It’s gonna be well worth it.

You can stream 'Oath' and pre-order Transmissions on all formats below:-

Telepathy - https://www.facebook.com/telepathyband

Pelagic Records - https://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords

Federico Favaro - Abstractions

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 21 Feb 2025

Tracklist:

1. Automata

2. Daydream

3. Horizon

4. Liquid Quartz

5. Polaris

I started putting this review together on Sunday evening after I had spent the afternoon in the company of friends, beer and vinyl records of varying genres. I realised fairly soon after starting that I was in no fit state to carry on so I paused. I'm glad I did because I wouldn't have been able to give this new EP from solo Italian progressive guitar phenom Federico Favaro the justice in deserves. 

Federico's debut EP Abstractions is due for official release on February 21st and he kindly wrote to me recently. I'm currently going through a phase where I'm bouncing from instrumental prog to technical death metal. This release obviously sits in the former category and I'm excited, and honoured to be able to hear it in advance of it's official release date.

This month is flying by and I haven’t written nearly as much as I would have liked. That being said, I’ve purchased and listened to more records at the same time, so you win some you lose some right? Italy has long been a bastion for epic, progressive music and a new name can be added to the ever growing list of exceptional talents this year with the debut EP from solo guitarist Federico Favaro. 

Abstractions begins with ‘Automata’ and it’s classically-inspired intro that flows seamlessly into an aural mosaic of epic guitar-work, alongside equally enjoyable bass and percussion. All instrumentation has been performed by Federico himself on this release (as I understand, please correct me if I’m wrong), making this more than just a “guitar” record.  

I know a lot of people recoil at the thought of progressive music because they think it’ll go on forever but it’s not the case here. ‘Daydream’ builds from Flamenco-like guitar plucking to much heavier and indeed engrossing progressive rock/metal soon after. One thing Federico wrote when he contacted me was that his music was nowhere near the standard of Plini (for example) but I disagree. 

There’s something really upbeat about ‘Horizon’ early on. It has bit of a punk sound to it (at least to my ears). It’s not too long though before any nod to punk disappears in favour of classically-tinged/off-kilter music that’s an absolute joy to listen too. Like the rest of the songs on Abstractions, it could be considered short in prog terms but that’s no bad thing.

The piano that greets you on ‘Liquid Quartz’ is beautiful and fits in perfectly with the jazz elements that flow through the EP. The djent-like guitar/bass tones later on show that Federico isn’t afraid of sudden direction changes and as with the rest of the EP, doesn’t shy away from ripping up traditional musical structures. 

Closing with ‘Polaris’, Federico offers up a song that’s deceivingly gentle and before you know it, you’re whisked off to another realm filled with dissonance and mind-bending riffs/tempos. I was reading an article earlier from somebody who thinks that musicians hate making music. If that’s actually the case then EP’s like this would not exist.

Federico Favaro is a genius and his music deserves so much attention for being genuine, and a true labour of love. Abstractions will hopefully be an example of what’s to come on future releases. What this space.

If you'd like a sneak preview of some of the songs that appear on this EP, head over to Federico's YouTube channel for some play-throughs and other videos - https://www.youtube.com/@FedericoFavaro/videos

Abstractions will be available digitally on February 21st.

Federico Favaro Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/federico.favaro_guitar/

Återstod/MEIßEL - Split

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Tape/Digital

Release Date: 13 Jan 2025

Tracklist: 

1. Återstod - Never Let Go

2. Återstod - And Longing Since

3. Återstod - Through Dust Covered Windows

4. MEIßEL - Intro

5. MEIßEL - Verblendung

6. MEIßEL - Verlies

Brand new Swedish solo-project Återstod recently teamed up with German duo MEIßEL to release a split of fresh screamo via Zegema Beach Records. Återstod is the new solo-band from Suis La Lune's Henning, while MEIßEL (who released their debut album in 2022) also released another split earlier this month alongside Ikigai, Apousia, Azzacov and Portrëit. Plenty of reasons to be excited about this release then!

Another sick new ZBR release is just what’s needed during this cold and dark month. It’s even better when you realise that Återstod carries the legacy that was started by Suis La Lune. It’s a solo-project from vocalist/guitarist Henning and opener ‘Never Let Go’ is a great introduction to the future of Swedish screamo (if that’s not too excessive to say). Mixing lovely melodic yet angular guitar with harsh vocals and properly explosive percussion/bass. Instrumentally, it’s surprisingly heavy the further you get into it.

‘And Longing Since’ takes the band’s sound in a very different direction, as the song barely surpasses a minute in length and goes from blistering screamo/emo-violence to heartwarming, slowing post-rock in mere seconds. Återstod’s final addition to this split ‘Through Dust Covered Windows’ goes for a nastier, almost sludgier sound initially before flowing almost seamlessly into more familiar off-kilter screamo territory. Nothing stays the same for too long though, as breathable moments of melody are cut short by bursts of effortless violence and vice versa.

German duo MEIßEL make up the other side of this split and they compliment it perfectly, as ‘Intro’ gently builds from lone-melodic guitar to ever-growing explosive instumentation. It fades, giving way to ‘Verblendung’ with it’s rumbling bass/guitar and rabid dual-vocals that are pushed along at great speed by the unrelenting drumming. It’s too short to fully appreciate in just one play!

Their closer ‘Verlies’ is also their longest song, which is the perfect way to end the split given that Återstod’s longest song kicked it off. It doesn’t disappoint as it moves in so many different directions throughout it’s playing time. It’s made of equal parts math, screamo, emo and post-rock. MEIßEL do a fantastic job of sounding much bigger than just a duo. Now is the time to check out their split release with Ikigai, Apousia, Azzacov and Portrëit if you haven’t already done so.

This split is top quality. Both bands give it everything (as you’d expect) and it shines a light on two of the newest screamo bands to look out for this year. I’m not a trendsetter so you don’t have to listen to me, but at least listen to them.

You can stream and purchase the split digitally from both bands here:-

Tape copies are sold out at ZBR's bandcamp page but you can still purchase copies from their online stores below:-

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/aterstod-meissel

ZBR USA - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/aterstod-meissel

Återstod - https://www.facebook.com/profile

MEIßEL - https://meiszel.bandcamp.com

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Hanry - Disruption EP

Labels: Pelagic Records

Formats: Digital

Release Date: 10 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Radiance

2. Ether

3. Zénith (Tape#2)

4. Intermission

This evening's review is an exciting one for me, as I wouldn't be writing it if it weren't for a PR contact I have in France who graciously put me in contact with one of their counterparts, who publicises German label Pelagic Records internationally. Through reaching out to them is (ironically) how I learned about French instrumental post-rock band Hanry and their new EP Disruption. It was officially released last Friday on digital platforms (with no set date for a physical release at time of writing) and is their second EP, following Panorama in 2022 and it's subsequent expanded re-issue in 2023.

I have been a subscriber to Pelagic’s monthly flat-rate vinyl subscription package for nearly two years now and it’s provided me with so many fantastic records and this year promises to be bigger, and better than ever for the label. They have already teased us with some of the new bands they’ve signed up to work with and kicking off the year is Hanry, a six-piece post-rock band from Rennes.

Disruption is their newest EP and if you’re at all familiar with the labels output, you’ll know that Hanry fits in perfectly amongst the other varied and talented artists on the roster. Opener ‘Radiance’ is a dreamy song filled with electronic beats, ambient synths, melodic piano and the dramatic guitar work that permeates through so many of their label-mates. 

‘Ether’ builds on the electronics of the opener with a greater use of beats and ambience, which in turn release so much emotion. It’s really hard to let this song go without saying how great it is to listen to, though the devil on my shoulder constantly fools me into thinking I could be listening an instrumental version of Linkin Park at times (sorry for the comparison).

Obviously, Hanry are on their own creative trajectory and not merely out here to copy any other artist or band. ’Zénith (Tape#2)’ follows on from ‘Zénith (Tape#1)’ that appeared on the re-issued and expanded version of Panorama and it’s a mellow number laced with calming beats and glorious piano, as well as shoegaze-like guitar that lays comfortably in the background.

Closing with their longest song ‘Intermission’, Hanry present a side of themselves that is both brighter yet more immersive. They orchestrate and layer the song with more instrumentation, as well as more effects. It builds in volume and heaviness at the mid-point before retreating back again, revealing a cultivated post-rock sound that’s as close to perfection as you’ll ever hear.

When I started writing this blog fifteen years ago I was discovering so much new music, I was almost overwhelmed and in reality that’s been the case ever since. I’m not saying I’ll change but I do feel that things are different, now especially. Hearing Hanry for the first time has been an absolute joy and this EP reminds me that spending time with music is a privilege and not a right, in the same that spending time with loved-ones and friends is.

You can stream and purchase Disruption digitally via Hanry's bandcamp page below:-

Hanry - https://www.facebook.com/hanry.music

Pelagic Records - https://www.facebook.com/pelagicrecords

Retador - Ear​ë​ndel

Labels: Xtreem Music

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 21 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Ear ë ndel

2. Somos Eternos

3. La Sombra de tu Existir

4. Redes

5. Lux Ferre

6. Asesino

7. Profanado

8. Terror en la Noche

9. Abismo 52 (outro)

Spanish thrash metal quartet Retador are due to release their second album Ear ë ndel via fellow Spanish extreme metal label Xtreem Music later this month, whom also released their debut self-titled album back in 2023. Retador have been compared to German teutonic thrash bands like Kreator and Sodom, as well as earlier Sepultura and Death Angel amongst others. If those comparisons don't wet your appetite for this album, then hopefully that striking cover art will.

It’s absolutely freezing here at the moment. The pavements are slick with ice and it’s been close to -10 over the last couple of days in the evenings. I didn’t write anything last night due to being exhausted after trudging through snow and making sure I didn’t stack it on the ice. Some good old comforting Spanish thrash metal is thankfully close to hand tonight, as is a lovely glass of red wine. 

Album opener and title-track ‘Ear ë ndel’ may first appear as an intro track but it’s so much more than that, as Retador’s excellent thrash metal bursts into life with uptempo instrumentation and harsh, old-school vocals (including some excellent falsettos too!). I go back and forth with thrash metal at times, as I find some bands to be quite atonal and rigid in their song-writing; however, there are times when a band comes out of seemingly nowhere and smacks me clean in the chops. 

On the strength of the opener, Retador are definitely the latter. I’m hoping it’s not just there to pull you in and ’’Somos Eternos’ proves it isn’t. It’s maybe not quite as theatrical in the guitar-department but the gang vox and extra falsettos, alongside the consistently amazing percussion and bass seal the deal early on. Later on it’s the turn of the guitars to truly work their magic again, as epic solos give way to twin-leads and furious riffs. 

I feel this write-up is going to be longer than originally planned, but I don’t really care when the music’s this good. ‘La Sombra de tu Existir’ initially sounds slightly more restrained but the chains are removed before too long as the music switches up a notch once again. I’ve already said that I think this year’s gonna be another stellar year for metal and I stand by that statement. Retador are flying the flag for thrash as a sub-genre and they really stand out!

‘Redes’ sees Retador presenting the most barbaric and straight-forward version of themselves in thrash metal terms. They fit in a couple of epic guitar solos and twin-guitar passages later on but this is still one of their heaviest songs so far. ‘Lux Ferre’ follows in pretty much the same format. No time is wasted and no quarter given As the album crosses over to it’s latter half, Retador’s catchiness continues to amaze and surprise.

‘Asesino’ is not a tribute to the US band of the same name. Instead, it’s gang-vox fuelled proto-thrash that pulls no punches, even when Retador pull off a melodic instrumental mid-section. If you long for simpler times when the sub-genre was fast and full of unbridled rawness then you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. ‘Profanado’ comes at you with a very different feel early on, with a brooding mid-paced intro that leads into off-kilter musicianship and semi screamed/sung vocals. That formula is retained throughout the rest of the song to great effect.

Before you even realise it, you’re at penultimate song ’Terror en la Noche’ and it’s where Retador deliver their final (full) precision blast of Spanish thrash metal. It’s another frenetic song and it leads instantly into the album’s closer ‘Abismo 52’, which is an instrumental outro of epic proportions! To summarise, I can’t fault this record. That it’s only the 2nd release from Retador is mind-blowing as well. You have nine days to wait for the official release and it’ll definitely be worth that wait.

You can stream album track 'Asesino' and watch it's accompanying video on bandcamp below, where digital pre-orders are also open:-

Retador Instagram - @retador_oficial

Physical vinyl/cd pre-orders are live via Xtreem Music here too - https://www.xtreemmusic.com/shop/

Xtreem Music - https://www.facebook.com/xtreemmusic666

Keratin - Death & Rebirth 7"

Labels: Zegema Beach Records

Formats: Vinyl/Digital

Release Date: 03 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Left Early

2. S.N.K.

3. Kindred Blue

4. Before the Salt, Taste the Wound

My short-lived streak of reviewing 2025 records before their release date comes to an end tonight, though two out of three ain't too bad. I got in there first when it came to the Vertex album yesterday, so that's a win! Aussie screamo band Keratin released their new EP on January 3rd via Zegema Beach Records, having previously released an EP called Only Eye through ZBR’s sister label Tomb Tree in 2022 and a 4-way split that also featured Atameo, Letterbombs and Coma Regalia in 2023 via Middle-Man Records. Digitally, there are four tracks on this EP but I believe only three made it onto the physical vinyl copies. 

Australia is building a very decent reputation for itself when it comes to screamo/post-hardcore bands. Blind Girls are the name on everybody’s tongue right now, but let’s not forget Gil Cerrone and Raccoon City (and I’m sure I’m missing many others). Keratin’s name can be added to that list, having already released two stellar EPs prior to this one. 

Opener ‘Left Early’ is a mix of usually chaotic emo-violence and instrumentally engrossing post-hardcore, with vocals sitting deeper in the mix. If this is the first ever song you’ve heard by Keratin then you’re starting in a good place. It’s atmosphere and song-writing is top notch.

’S.N.K.’ continues where that opener left off but with more of a black/post-metal influence this time. In it’s own right it’s strong, impressively so. I know it’s very early in the year to be saying this but on the strength of what I’ve already reviewed (including this EP), 2025 is going to be an absolute banger of a year musically.

‘Kindred Blue’ has that repetitive noise element going on at the beginning that works so well in a live setting (I hope you know what I mean!) and as it’s an instrumental piece, I’m guessing that on the vinyl pressing it’s tagged onto the end of ’S.N.K.’ (please correct me if my guess isn’t correct here). Either way, it’s lovely.

Closing with ‘Before the Salt, Taste the Wound’, which I immediately thought was a nod to Salt The Wound (the US deathcore band), Keratin deliver their longest song of the EP and also their heaviest one to boot. It’s actually pretty fierce during it’s first half, which does make me wonder about my initial hunch but that aside, Keratin smash it once again with their masterful delivery.

I arrived home this evening to five LPs that I ordered recently. I set them aside so I could take in this EP and it didn’t disappoint. I’m also experimenting with newer social media platforms too, so maybe eventually I’ll get the confidence to record some shorts or vlogs. Who knows.

You can stream and purchase Death & Rebirth digitally from Keratin below:-

Keratin - https://www.facebook.com/keratinband

If you're in Australia you can also grab the 7" from them and save on shipping.

For everyone else, Zegema Beach Records have them up for purchase now (there are only fifty copies though!):-

ZBR CAN/INTL - http://www.zegemabeachrecords.com/zegema-beach-releases/keratin-7

ZBR U.S.A. - https://zbrusa.com/collections/zbr-releases/products/keratin-7

Zegema Beach Records - https://www.facebook.com/zegemabeachrecords

Vertex - The Purest Light

 Labels: Le Cri du Charbon

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Digital

Release Date: 17 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. All My Hatred

2. War Is Peace

3. The Purest Light

4. Leviathan

5. Two

6. Next Age

7. Social Unborn

8. Following Arrows

9. Scalable

10. Tar

Even at this early stage in the year I've realised that I'm becoming a bit OCD-like when it comes to promos and promo e-mails. From promos about 2025 releases (not this one) that were actually released a year+ prior but also promos (again not for this release) that don't mention anything about the formats that they're being released on. PR peeps and those that write EPKs should include these kind of details in my humble opinion. This is why I chose to write about this album instead, thanks to Clement Duboscq from Vous Connaissez? PR who sent it my way!

The Purest Light by French mathcore/progressive metal band Vertex is really a 2025 release and I couldn't be more excited to hear it. Over the last couple of years I've been leaning further towards screamo and mathcore thanks to friends who are connected to labels I keep an eye, and that I also buy from regularly. Getting the chance the hear some fresh mathcore that's infused with metal and progressive influence is absolutely what I'm here for.

After a slightly confusing moment with the MP3 files included with this promo, I switched to the WAVs and everything (including my OCD) returned to normal. Album opener ‘All My Hatred’ is the perfect mix of panic-inducing guitar-lead highs, bass-laden/percussive progression and harsh vocals that sit atop of the instrumentation perfectly. It brings to mind the first time I heard both Weston Super-Maim and The Sawtooth Grin, amongst others. Absolutely brilliant.

‘War Is Peace’ is way more metal than it is math with an insatiable pace, where mid-way through it becomes an amalgamation of everything that’s great about metal and grind. There’s really no placing Vertex in reality, despite my best attempts this early on. Honestly, this album is absolutely incredible so far! The promo e-mail that accompanied this record mentioned that it would appeal to fans of Meshuggah and I cannot agree more with that. Title-track ‘The Purest Light’ shows exactly why, with it’s prog-metal approach and varying time-signatures. The instrumentation is absolutely out of this world. I can’t fault this record at all so far.

‘Leviathan’ is served up at a slower tempo, or so it seems, with a swagger akin to the sludge of Crowbar and progression of the aforementioned Meshuggah. Off-kilter riffs and wild percussion/bass are joined by vocals that seem deeper to match the tones of the song. Launching into ’Two’, Vertex pretty much carry on where they left off with ‘Leviathan’. Fusing progressive metal with mathcore and an indescribable amount of European groove (if there’s such a thing?!). 

’Two’ fades away to be replaced by the atmospheric yet technical ’Next Age’, which brings to mind Soilwork at their peak. It’s an epic song though it strays further away from Vertex’s mathcore leanings at times, thanks to some brutal (almost beatdown) riffs later on. The chaotic beginning of ‘Social Unborn’ doesn’t let up one bit as the album’s shortest song rips you a new one. Again, it’s off-kilter in all the right places while also employing the right amount of slam for anybody who’s a modern death metal junkie. It’s actually pretty bloody good!

You’re dragged back into groove-laden territory thanks to ‘Following Arrows’ and it’s syncopated/rhythmic guitar work, and mesmeric drumming. Both elements seem to override the vocals, which seems almost impossible at times. Vertex use vocal effects later on when the instrumentation retreats a little and while it doesn’t effect their momentum, it does seem slightly at odds with their creativity.

Vertex - https://www.facebook.com/vertex.metal.france/

Le Cri du Charbon - https://www.facebook.com/LeCriDuCharbon

Aeon Of Awareness - The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga

Labels: Self-Released

Formats: Digital

Date: 17 Jan 2025

Tracklist:

1. Intro

2. Lebenslast

3. Lysis

4. Hine-nui-te-pō

5. Te Atua

6. Ira Di(e)mensions

7. Tūmatauenga

8. Fort Forest

9. King Kauri

So here we are. 2024 is behind us and a new year has already begun. 2024 actually turned out to be a very good year for the blog and I'm optimistic about 2025 as well. I'm hitting the ground running by focusing on this year's releases whenever I can, starting with the debut album from German death metallers Aeon Of Awareness. 

The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga promises to be a mix of melodic death metal and Maori mythology (two things I wasn't expecting to say in the same sentence!). Aeon of Awareness formed in 2020 as a duo, releasing two EPs prior to this full-length recording (and an expansion of their line-up), which will be officially available digitally on 17th January. 

Starting with a dramatic and orchestral ‘Intro’, Aeon Of Awareness do nothing to prepare you for their Aotearoa-themed German death metal (yes, I know that sounds weird!). ‘Lebenslast’ contains much more European influence with driving blasts, marching riffs and typically harsh vocals, that are accentuated by the quartet’s mother tongue. So far so good in the musical department. ’Lysis’ takes up the exact same form as ‘Lebenslast’, but with additional Scandinavian influences. Those influences won’t come as a surprise if you’re an avid death metal fan, as it’s such a prominent sub-genre across Europe. Aeon Of Awareness make it sound effortless, especially for a debut album!

‘Hine-nui-te-pō’ is a fine way to integrate their love of Maori mythology, as Aeon Of Awareness allow their instrumentation to take centre-stage with glorious melodic riffs and towering atmosphere. To my ears, the vocals are still in German, so the Maori influence may only be found in the lyrics (please correct me if I’m incorrect here though). ‘Te Atua’ breaks up the heaviness briefly thanks to it’s use of soothing piano and delicate strings. The album’s latter half kicks everything back into gear after a mere pause for breath and ‘Ira Di(e)mensions’ re-introduces you to the band’s full-flowing death metal, except there’s greater use of tempo and time changes now. It’s hard to ignore just how mature this album sounds. 

‘Tūmatauenga’ is the longest and grandest song on The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga. The lyrics early on sound very much like they’re being delivered in traditional Maori language but I’m no expert in this field and later on the band switches between different languages to heighten the intrigue. Penultimate song ‘Fort Forest’ sees Aeon Of Awareness moving back in a proper thrash/death metal direction with up-tempo everything. It’s a clever way to pep things up towards the end of the album and once again stirs the rousing feeling that was created earlier on. The chunky, melodic riffs do a great job too!

That up-tempo atmosphere carries on through to album closer ‘King Kauri’, where it’s abundantly clear that Aeon Of Awareness are serious about their craft. The use of Maori themes/language could easily have come across as a gimmick but that isn’t the case. While the music isn’t breaking any new ground progressively or experimentally, it is performed with true heart and passion, which is all that matters. The Embracing Light Of Rarohenga will be well received I’m sure.

You can stream purchase album single 'Hine-nui-te-pō' via bandcamp below, in advance of the full-release:-

Aeon Of Awareness - https://www.facebook.com/AoA666