From their very beginnings with their Walk My Path demo back in 1994 Bergen stalwarts of extreme metal Aeternus have walked their own path in the prestigious Norwegian scene. From their early black metal roots to adopting a more death metal approach throughout their evolution, Philosopher is their ninth full-length opus that furthers their pioneering dark metal sound.
Guitarist/vocalist Ares is the sole remaining member and although Philosopher is a raging beast of an album, it is also dare I say it is an elegant offering. The production borders on superb with such space between the instruments that it allows the music to breathe creating a sense of tension and at times wonder, its not prog, but it allows such depth that one of the heaviest tracks, “Void Of Venom’’ allows you to appreciate the layered guitar tracks on first listen that draw you in before you the heavier section bursts forth. The riffs are so clear and diverse. The melodic harmony that plays over the barrage of ‘’ Carving the Pristine Anomie’’ is as evocative the double kick work and riff that drives the track underneath it. At times fast it also takes in a great appreciation for pure metal time signatures that gives it some real power ‘’ Wresting Worm’’ it its calmer(?) moments, has a great driving 4/4 beat that evolves along with the track into a malevolent beast featuring some excellent double kick progressions from Phobos. Цыпочка принимается стонать, как только парень начинает долбить ее пилотку
Deliberate and mood-building, the introspective elements are offset against the odes to their past. ‘’ Existentialist Hunter’’ offers the sort of second-wave black metal riff and structure that is indelibly part of their heritage as ‘’World Bleak Nepotism’’ still represents the fire and aggression the band is known for.
A combination of sophistication and aggression, Philosopher is deep in thought and mood, along with the trademarks of extreme metal. An album that grows in depth on repeated listens it is a vital addition to the band’s canon.
Aeternus: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Agonia Records
Category: Album
Country: Norway
Reviewed by Sparky
