By DJ Monk
It is perhaps not surprising to learn, if you look at both the name of the band and the title of this, their debut album, that Greek newcomers Aeons Of Solitude inhabit that particular subgenre of metal which they themselves happily agree is best described as “progressive doom”. However, band founder Alex Roussos (I wonder if he’s any relation to Demis… sorry, cheap historical prog reference) also throws the word “gothic” into the descriptive equation… Collectively, they are comparatives which more than ably some up this epic declaration of intent.
Opener ‘White Witch’ more than sets the tone for what is to come. Roussos’ vocals reference classic goth precursors such as McCoy and Eldrich, while music influences as diverse as Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Opeth and countrymen such as Planet Of Zeus and 1000mods heavily permeate the background soundscape. And it is a tone which also reflects the album’s epic ambition: eight songs spread across 51 is potentially fateful for a debut album, especially in these days of social media immediacy, but on this occasion the fates are definitely aligned for AIS as it is an album that genuinely needs that elongation and extrapolation.
But, where ‘Mourning Cloak’ works is that it manages do deliver that epicness without feeling, well, “epic”. It doesn’t sound overlong or drawn out. It doesn’t outstay its welcome. In fact, you’ll gladly book it for a second stay. It’s concise and precise. Every element is beautifully crafted, fitting like a well-designed jigsaw – and not once do you go hunting down the back of the sofa for that dreaded missing piece, because every part gels and slots into space with a perfect sense of synchronicity. Such is the sense of harmonious wholesomeness that this album brings with it as it exudes from your speakers and envelopes you with the warmth of a (faux) fur coat.
‘Mourning Cloak’ is a hugely impressive and promising debut. It challenges with its complexity – there are a lot of sounds going on, from huge sweeping guitar panoramas to simple balalaika relaxants – but also rewards with its sense of unrushed urgency. Harmony and melody, and even catchier-than-C19 hooks, are not sacrificed, but rather combined effortlessly with massive passages of thematic development which in turn enrapture and reward, adding to the overall listening experience on every level. Yes, now and again you find yourself asking “WTF was that?”, but the next second you’re losing yourself in the enormous soundscape which this album delivers.
My only quibble is that, perhaps, it has been released on the wrong label. Rock Company are much better known for their classic rock material: perhaps the likes of more specific outlets such as Argonauta, Heavy Psych Sounds or Ripple Music would be a more appropriate outlet to help take this lot to the next level. As it stands, however, I don’t think Roussos and his bandmates will be spending too many more Aeons In Solitude on the strength of this impressive debut.
- ‘Mourning Cloak’ is released next Wednesday (22 April). You can get your copy HERE.
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