28 March 2024

Aethernaeum – Naturmystik

[schema type=”review” name=”Aethernaeum – Naturmystik ” description=”Label: Einheit Produktionen/Soulfood” author=”Basak Günel” pubdate=”2015-10-02″]

Aethernaeum is a folk/black metal band from Germany. Formed in 2012 as mainman Alexander Paul Blake’s solo project, the band then became what it is today. Although the formation is relatively young, they have already become quite known in the German metal scene. The band’s latest album “Naturmystik” is out this month.

My first impression of the album was what I also expected from this record; the first song has that romantic but dark approach that is also one of the key elements of Aethernaeum’s sound. I remember watching this band at Dark Troll Festival last year and their sound has caught my attraction from the first moment! I wouldn’t be lying if I say that I got the same feeling from this record; the theme of the album is closely related to nature and there is also an overall mystical atmosphere that is well-blended into the record. I somehow imagined myself in the woods at night with this type of music in my ears and I am sure everyone who is into the dark/doomy/mystical side of metal will think like I do as well. Just listen to “Der Baumpercht” and “Aus Silberseen” and you will know what I mean.

Soundwise, the band has managed to deliver the perfect harmony of the cello, harsh vocals, those ‘black metal’ riffs and even male choirs in some songs so this is pretty much a dark melodic record. There is definitely some influences from bands such as Agalloch but Aethernaeum also has their own dark authentic sound that is well defined in this record. It even doesn’t matter that the band sings in German; I am sure people who don’t know the language will get carried away by the overall dark atmosphere. All in all, there is something beautiful yet haunting about this record that you will definitely want to hear the songs over and over again to breathe in that darkness more.

It’s hard describing “Naturmystik”, I think you have to feel the album to understand what I mean. It’s dark, mystical and romantic. Definitely recommended for lovers of black/pagan/folk/dark metal!

Line up:
Alexander Paul Blake – vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards
Marco Eckstein – guitar
Motte – guitar
Markus Freitag – cello
Hendrik Wodynski – drums

aenew 01. Die Stimme der Wildnis
02. Heimreise (Ein Requiem)
03. Umarmung der Einsamkeit
04. Die Waldschamanin
05. Der Baumpercht
06. Jenseits der Mauer des Schweigens
07. Im Zyklus der Jahreszeiten
08. Aus Silberseen
09. Erdenzauber

Links:
Aethernaeum Official
Aethernaeum Facebook