For the past 3 decades, Norwegian metal mainstays Aeternus have been purveyors of some of the finest and most fearsome blackened death metal and this defiantly continues on the band’s latest album, their ninth, Philosopher. The band, who have stayed true to delivering the darkest music they could throughout their existence do so on this latest opus in some style.
The atmospheric ‘Existentialist Hunter’ sets the tone for the album perfectly and from then on, the bands music cloaks the speakers with a darkness that is inescapable and sees Aeternus reign supreme when it comes to their deathly songs, compositions that are filled with an equal amount of menace and grandeur.
Tracks on Philosopher like ‘World Bleak Nepotism’ and ‘The Luciferian Architect’ are prime Aeternus and the best examples on here of how powerful the bands music is while the most menacing track on the record in ‘Void Of Venom’ is also the most eclectic as well, in terms of tone and atmosphere and it all adds up to a completely immersive listening experience.
The musicianship on the album is top class (particularly the searing guitar work of Ares and Gorm) as Aeternus power their way through the albums 7 tracks with the vocals of frontman Ares also sounding as devastating as ever, especially over the pummelling dark rhythms courtesy of bassist Eld and drummer Phobos.
With the band having been active for so long, their experience when it comes to delivering their music is evident and the whole album is not only well crafted from start to finish but also a lesson in how to capture a foreboding atmosphere continuously.
With Philosopher, Aeternus have proved that they are still at the top of their game when it comes to that dark and heavy atmosphere that their music conjures up, and getting even stronger as they go on, and long may they continue to deliver their bleakly atmospheric music to the world.
