Label: Running Wild Productions
Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Length: 17:42
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Aeons of Ashes is an Austrian melodic death metal band formed in 2013. Since its inception, the band has released two albums, Shutdown (2014) and The Wasteland Chronicles (2023), as well as five EPs, the most recent of which, Currents, was released last March via the Running Wild Productions label. Before listening to this record, I had never listened to Aeons of Ashes’ previous releases.
Currents is a four-track EP with a total running time of 17 minutes and 42 seconds. Musically, the band offers melodic death metal full of atmosphere and contrasts. The guitars flow together with well-constructed complexity, alternating tempo changes, supported by heavy, percussive drums. The vocals are undoubtedly what I enjoyed the most: deep growls, high-pitched screams inspired by black metal, disturbing whispers, and the addition of a female voice that brings an malevolent aura. I particularly liked the way these voices intertwine in the structure of the songs, although their presence is sometimes a little dominant on certain more ‘elegant’ instrumental sections. The production is of good quality and highlights every nuance and detail of the composition.
Among the highlights, the opening track Ephemeral starts off gently before quickly intensifying, while at 2:36, whispers darken the atmosphere, followed by a beautiful melodic guitar composition at 2:59. On Asterial, I loved the explosive energy that emerges from 1:29 onwards; a short but memorable track. Unscathed shines particularly brightly from 0:52 onwards, with impressive drumming and a beautiful progression right up to its final seconds. The last track, Rewritten, accelerates at an unprecedented pace (a frenzied performance). The vocals are intense throughout the track, reaching their climax at 2:21. From 2:57 onwards, the intensity fades, making way for a mysterious dialogue. From 3:27 onwards, the vocals return with ferocity.
If you enjoy modern melodic death metal, tinged with dark atmospheres, Currents is an EP that should not disappoint you.
