Aeons of Ashes – Determination
Aeons of Ashes – Determination
Self-Released
Release Date: 01/07/23
Running Time: 11:28
Review by Laura Barnes
7/10
Aeons of Ashes have been around for a while, but their latest EP “Determination” marks the beginning of a new era for them. Originally fomed in 2013, this Austrian melodic death metal band have recently aquired an additional vocalist, and this release marks her debut with the band. It’s quite a sweet story, really – 4LE4 had originally been a huge fan of Aeons of Ashes and had been attending their gigs for over ten years when she was invited to join the band. Imagine! It’s like a heavy metal dream come true.
The interplay of two growling vocalists is one of the biggest strengths of this EP, alongside the infectious melodies. 4LE4’s higher pitched growls blend with Sklenitzka’s quite nicely, and the album is at its best when the both vocalists can be heard in quick succession, sometimes overlapping, creating the sense that the music is in conversation with itself. ‘F4v5t’ is a good example of this, and as a bonus the track has a sweet little blues lick which totally surprised me and had me grinning like a maniac.
Although Aeons of Ashes describe themselves as a ‘post-melodic death metal band’, there’s a lot of stuff in here for a metalcore fan to enjoy. ‘Ring of St0nes’ has a meaty breakdown, and the lyrical themes of justice and dystopia throughout the EP will likely appeal to Venom Prison fans. “Determination” concludes with ‘Time Is A Lie’, a track that creates a complex emotional landscape by combining meloncholic guitar melodies with lyrics describing a thinly masked fear.
On a personal level, I would have liked a little more ‘post-’ from these post melodic death metallers. The excellent musical chemistry between the two vocalists leaves room for a lot more experimentation. Aeons of Ashes know how to make a great headbangable song, but it would be nice to see the pace and tone switched up every now and again. Still, “Determination” was a thoroughly enjoyable release, and the perfect way to scratch the melodic death metal itch.
‘Time is a Lie’ Official Video
TRACKLISTING:
01. F4v5t
02. Ring Of St0nes
03. Time Is A Lie
LINE-UP:
Tim Sklenitzka – Vocals
4LE4 – Vocals
Christopher Feiertag – Guitars
Georg Knoll – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Markus “Mexx” Chmelar – Bass
Clemens Nolz – Drums
LINKS:
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