ALBUM REVIEW: Aethyrick – Gnosis

The second album of mystical Finnish Black Metal titans AETHYRICK is here, out now via The Sinister Flame.

Ice cold guitars and blastbeats fire us into melancholy tinged atmospherics with a powerful instrumental performance of dissonance and unrivalled beauty inclusive of soaring lead work to elevate the sonic onslaught into new ground. Snarling vocals soon begin to cascade over the forceful blend of instrumentals to deliver an impactful sound, conjuring up eerie ambience with a ferocious performance from the full band that will remain stoic throughout the record. The musicianship on this album is absolutely stunning with truly captivating atmosphere that not only is hypnotic but also retains a primitive and blisteringly harsh aggression, suited to the vitriolic vocal attack. With some more depressive undertones, this is not typical Finnish Black Metal (though this scene is known for melancholic edge in their riffs), the dissonant edge being more associated with Iceland and Poland but Aethyrick use it incredibly well along with the more French or German drawn out chords. This is a fascinating and incredibly effective blend that delves into a fantastic new territory for Black Metal while using nothing necessarily new. Synth work is sparsely used to add further gorgeous ambience to the record while never becoming an overshadowing or grating presence, letting the fierce guitars, drums and vocals have enough space to punish the listener with obliterating intensity. I think the only band these guys particularly make me think of is Behexen, perhaps some Mgla in parts but not only are these excellent bands to be compared to, this isn’t even really a very strong comparison as Aethyrick are still doing something very different. The tides of disdainful introspection that is concocted in these savagely instrumental and vocal assaults is a unique one, with plentiful melody and atmosphere but a viciously aggressive biting edge too which remains present even among the more depressive sections. Utterly transcendental, ground-breaking and brilliantly executed. This is a Black Metal release I think is deserving of respect from the underground scene and a true hidden gem. The instrumental and vocal grandiosity alone makes this really stand out from the crowd with a more clear production that remains raw enough to feel natural and musical abilities that show true excellency and prowess. Do not let this slab of occultist ferocity pass you by. -8.5/10