Aurora Borealis – Prophecy is the Mould in Which History is Poured
Aurora Borealis – Prophecy is the Mould in Which History is Poured
Hammerheart Records
Release Date: 04/11/22
Running Time: 44:00
Review by Paul Hutchings
7/10
They have plied their trade for nearly 30 years and released seven full length albums over that time. Propelled by founding member Ron Vento, whose song writing has been a key part of the band since the earliest days, the current line-up of Aurora Borealis sees new blood in bassist Eddie Rossi who joins powerhouse drummer Mark Green and Vento in the ultimate black/death metal trio.
Four years have passed since “Apokalupsis” but there is no respite from the relentless combination that Aurora Borealis bring to the table. With their lyrics focusing on a range of topics from Sci-Fi to fantasy to earth creationism, it’s the blend of aggressive blackened death metal that really scorches the earth. Frantic blast beats, screaming lead work that lacerates the skin, and Vento’s black metal screeching combine to bring a sound that offers no half measures.
Eschewing the more mainstream European melodic sound commonly associated with the style that Aurora Borealis deliver, there’s more of an American flavour to the band’s delivery, unsurprising when you learn they originate from Waldorf, Maryland. There is variation within the album, with the intro ‘From the Abyss, Reborn’ and ‘Thralldomnation’ both featuring audio clips blended with eerie effects.
Most of “Prophecy …” focuses on face blistering aural assault and there is savageness lurking in every corner. Opening track ‘God Hunter’ is visceral, violent, and crushing. The sweeping elements of ‘Serenade of Designations’ and the feral abuse of ‘Hymn to the Archfiend’ all vary in style yet retain a nastiness that is the musical equivalent of a rusty can slicing flesh. It’s punishing stuff, although not without its merits. Vento’s vocal style isn’t going to be for all, but if you can tolerate or accept it, there’s plenty of intricate and technical musicianship which is at times superb. By the time you reach ‘Cosmic Control Mechanism’ you’ll be fully converted to a sound that has evolved over time into something quite unique.
‘Founding Fathers Of Deception’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. From the Abyss, Reborn
02. God Hunter
03. The House of Nimrod
04. Ephemeral Rise
05. Serenade of Designations
06. Thralldomnation
07. Founding Fathers of Deception
08. Khafres Mark
09. Awakening
10. Hymn to the Archfiend
11. Cosmic Control Mechanism
LINE-UP:
Ron Vento – Guitar, Vocals, Programming
Mark Green – Drums
Eddie Rossi – Bass
LINKS:
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