Aiwaz – Darrkh… It Is!
Aiwaz – Darrkh… It Is!
Hammerheart Records
Release Date: 25/10/2024
Review by Beth Morait
7/10
It’s properly spooky season now, so I thought I’d investigate something a little darker and depressing for my next review. The bio for Aiwaz says they’re a blend of Queensrӱche, Solitude Aeturnus, Marillion, Ghost and My Dying Bride. That mix piqued my interest! It was also interesting to discover that this Doom band is actually a duo, with Arkadius Kurek taking vocals and lyric writing, And Timo Maischatz providing all the instrumentation. That’s a monumental achievement, and it always strikes me just how much talent it takes to create the sound that duos or solo artists manage to pull off, with so few people. So, what does this record sound like?
Well… in short. Doomy, dark, melancholic, and depressive. Lovely stuff! It takes an instant slow pace, focusing on epic instrumental work, and lilting clean vocals that float effortlessly over the top of everything. It’s symphonic, and down-tuned, creating an ominous atmosphere. But the soaring vocals, and clean guitar work ad an element of beauty. It creates an almost mesmeric, trance state that draws you into the music. I love the use of classical instruments throughout, too. With Violins and Cellos often featuring, adding to the Gothic nature. There’s something haunting about the sound of a solitary Cello cutting through the reset of the music, as featured in ‘In The Silence’.
But, alongside the clean vocals, we’re also gifted low, guttural growls, which further drag the compositions into the realm of the depressed. It’s Epic in execution, but gentle and tender in delivery. It’s a little like what I image the soundtrack to that moment between life and death might sound like. There, but not. Earthly, but ethereal in equal measures.
It’s also quite theatrical in some parts. Like the sad laments from a Musical Theatre epic when the lead character is battling hard times. The diction an emotion in Arkadius’ voice create an air which instantly connect you to the protagonist, and make you feel what they feel, in that moment.
Nitty gritty wise, this album is well produced, balancing the many instrumental sounds perfectly. And I love the cover art. It would make a spectacular tattoo! Musically, this isn’t my norm, but I kind of like it. Because it’s got more to it than just Doom (which I find really boring – soz Doom fans), and it’s not too in your face, but is captivating, even if it wouldn’t normally be my first choice.
If you want to dance, then move along, as this won’t float your boat. But if you’re looking for an out of body experience that makes you drift along while standing still in time, this could be the album for you.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Darrkh… It is!
02. The Ghost That Once Was I
03. In This Silence
04. Cemetary of Hearts
05. Garden of Despair
06. When Judas Spins the Wheel
LINE-UP:
Arkadius Kurek – Vocals
Timo Maischatz – All instruments
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Morait and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.