Derived from the old German dialect meaning earth, Aera began their question of original existence and man’s alienation from nature in 2018. Phantast is their third release that continues the evolution from 2020’s Schattenfall ‘– EP, a combination of sophisticated lyricism, progressive and atmospheric nuances combined with the raw primal power that is black metal.
Phantast is a record that pushes boundaries on thought, the cosmos, the nature of self and the earth. Over its four tracks, it creates evocative ideas and challenges the listener to undertake a journey through their world inspired by poetry and philosophy. It’s a dichotomy that runs through the album, free thought and sonnets combined with the raw brittle urgency of black metal.
The subtle guitar melancholy of Sshattenkreuz gives sway to black metal fury before it returns to some clean melodic guitar playing, the riff crescendo building in their atmosphere, the dynamics natural and ever-evolving, its fifteen-minute run time feels half that with its combination of anger and melancholy. Empor is transcendent with its expansive opening before it delves into the underground of extremity its final three minutes with That Riff demanding to be replayed continuously. Fleisch und Knochen revels in intensity and bleakness, its shorter running time creating a sense of urgency, the riffs spilling out in a barrage of nineties-inspired black metal.
Evocative, creative, and heavy Phantast is adventurous, demanding, calming and soothing. It is both stormy and calm, Aera is able to seamlessly merge the purity of second-wave black metal with the more modern expansive aesthetic. It’s a work of art that cares little for convention but more for the creation of textures and sounds based on ideas and emotions. Highly recommended
Aera: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: Vendetta Records
Category: Album
Country: Germany
Reviewed by Sparky
