« Moongod »
2013
With Quebec’s cornucopia of vast talent emerging to define “Quebec Noir”, or bands that showcase an adept pedigree for technical brilliance, one band stands apart in combining originality, foreign influence and extraordinary musicianship. Aeternam, from Quebec City, sees a young band following their own path on this their second album, “Moongod”, out now on Galy Records. Emerging in 2010, the band has quickly garnered an audience by thinking outside the “proverbial” box and with said album stand poised to leave listeners happily aghast! What is striking from an initial listen is the juxtaposition between stylized American Metal riffing and cinematic Middle Eastern tinges. Moongod, Rise of Arabia and Descent of Gods all demonstrate the band’s propensity for grand symphonic soundscapes while guitars weave modern Metal complexity. In addition, the record sounds like the band have followed the Behemoth way of attacking their instruments as heard on monstrous tracks, Invading Jerusalem and Xibalba and to tumultuous effect! Though not entirely “brootal” production wise, the blasts recall the ferocity and malicious intent of the Polish warlords.
However, the album does offer other facets that are less sonically abrasive. Cosmology, Iram of the Pillars and Idol of the Sun seem to have borrowed from the soulfulness of Orphaned Land, replete with rousing clean vocals, vast choirs and ever so delicate Arabic flourishes, including periodic sitar! Complimenting the more aggressive shades of the album, these dramatic shifts are brilliant in pacing the album and offering the listener more than merely “playing one song” for an hour or so. Closer and perhaps the album’s masterpiece, Hubal, Profaner of Light manages to blend the best of both sides of the coin in one stirring track and can undoubtedly stand up to the likes of Melechesh or Nile!
A gem amongst Canadian Metal acts, Aeternam have checked all the right boxes with “Moongod” by adhering to their own convictions. Choosing to firmly ingratiate themselves with a truly unique sound and influence, Aeternam never sound redundant or cliché but instead offer fans an album that will charm as well as destroy!
Standout Tracks: “Iram of the Pillars”, Cosmology, Invading Jerusalem, Hubal, Profaner of Light
9.5/10
Chris
