A few years back I read an article from somewhere that had Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse) saying he felt Aeon were his favorite death metal band at the time. This high praise lead me to seek out any music by them I could find. And I'll admit, it didn't do anything for me. Not quite sure why, just didn't. But, that was a few years ago. Things have changed. I'm balder, beardy-er and in general, even more red than I have ever been. (This is a reference to the color of my hair....and maybe my semi-Irish temperament). Anyway, back on track here. Aeon's newest album Aeons Blac" popped up on our promo list recently. I stared at it a few times, debating. But as usual: Fuck It. Let the death metal pounding begin.
Lead off track 'Still They Pray' is an anti-religious affair. Vocals backed up with a blistering backdrop of savage death metal. And lyrics bashing Christianity, OK, I'm in. (The lyrical content of the album follows this context plus death, revenge, murder, ya know, all the good stuff kids are brought up on these days). The guitar tone is somewhat familiar, but I'll let it go because its a tone I do rather enjoy. We'll just say that maybe Aeon caught wind of Mr.Webster's kind words.
'I Wish You Death' and the title track are two of my personal favorites in the mix of this album. The former bringing some really nice guitars with squeals thrown in the mix. And the solo is a building block of nice playing that leads to what I feel is the only appropriate way to perform a "breakdown" in death metal. And it doesn't overstay its welcome. Plus 10 points to Aeon for that. The title track starts out dragging bones to the cadence of "Where's your savior. Where's your God". It's a rather blunt message, but it comes across with conviction. The tempo stays in the mid-range. A nice chugging pace that will have the crowds throwing horns, head banging, and allowing them to scream the gospel along with the band.
'Maze of the Damned' could almost be taken as a Cannibal Corpse track. But, again, this isn't a gripe as Aeon throw enough of themselves into the song to make it enough of their own. Finally, 'Die By My Hands' rounds out this album of blasphemy and destruction just right. Those loving their death metal epics as a full onslaught should be sure to listen to this song. Scorching vocals, blast beats galore, winding guitars and even a tinged choir in the mix: all there to close this album in true fashion. And the lyrics may make you feel somewhat better about the shitty day you had at work. I myself need that every now and then, so I don't doubt you do too.
So, what exactly does Aeons Black accomplish? Why should you check it out? It's a modern day death metal album that would fit right in in the 90s. Its a middle finger to today's "pretty boy in a white shirt with nice hair, playing only breakdowns and chugging one string on his guitar" trends. It's what death metal needs to stay healthy and alive. Webster knew what he was talking about; Aeon wave the flag into battle and bring is back bloodstained for all to see. A death metal album, no more, no less. Nowadays its what we need. HAIL!!
Be sure to pick up Aeons Black, available now through Metal Blade Records.
