AETERNUS – Hexaeon

Norwegian semi-legends Aeternus, consisting of Ares on vocals and guitars, V’gandr on bass, and S. Winter on drums (Winter recently joined the band, former drummer Erik plays on this record) – have been producing a long line of quality releases for some 13 years.

Hexaeon is no exception, offering the listener 9 quality Dark Metal tracks, mixing ferocious blast beats with dark riffs, and Ares’ trademark vocals. The band has used the famous Grieghallen studios in Bergen, Norway, with the equally legendary producer “Pytten,” and the sound suits the music perfectly. It’s ice cold and gloomy, while at the same time dirty enough to mesh with the simple, groovy riffs. The guitar sound in particular is very cool -– cranked up and full, and nowhere near the overly treble-ish sound often found with bands in the extreme genres.

The band has come up with a couple of rather nice tunes this time around, too. This becomes evident the moment you press “play,” as the three first tracks -– “Darkest of Minds,” “Christhead,” and “In the Third Dwells Oblivion” -– range among the album’s very best; full of groovy riffs, psycho vocals and ferocious drumbeats. “9th Revolution” is unfortunately a small step down. Despite some cool elements and amazing vocals, it doesn’t quite keep up with its three predecessors. A bit surprisingly, maybe, as the title track is usually among the stronger ones on an album … this also goes for the track “Hexaeon.” It opens with some promising clean guitars, but really never takes off. At the 2:40 mark, the song gets better, but it’s not enough.

“Punished” brings the band back to full-speed Death Metal territories, and is a far better track. The melodic and chunky guitars sound fresh and firm, and Erik’s blast beats are impeccably performed. The mid-tempo “Trieg2” is another strong track -– highlighted by some cool choirs and meaty riffs.

The pairing of “Christbait” and “What I Crave” makes sure that the album ends just as good as it started, and rounds off what is a very good Death, no Dark, Metal release from the groovy Norsemen. This is an album that should be consumed with considerable amounts of brown liquor, and with not too much bright lighting in the room.

Born abuser – alone – weak
Torn apart – away – bleak
Dreams of death – needle – seek
Loss of will – addictive – reek
(From the “Christbait” track)