|
|
|
|
| Buy this album |
With their album "Aeon", the all-star band Zyklon strikes once again on the cusp of black and death metal. Their debut release, "World Ov Worms", was much more on the black metal side of the fence. With new singer Secthdamon, "Aeon" shows many more death metal tendencies, vocally and musically. Zyklon still manages to maintain their proven nihilistic future-apocalyptic sound typified by destructive, swirling guitar riffs and electronic noises and samples. The main difference between "Aeon" and "World Ov Worms", however, is a transition from blazing speed to crushing heaviness. "Aeon" is an intelligently produced album. None of the instruments (including vocals) are overbearing, yet they all maintain a destructive characteristic heaviness that completes the atmosphere of the CD. The mix and production are both well done, creating a solid balance between the two extremes of the black metal scene: the annoyingly overproduced and the horribly lo-fi. Enhancing the overall experience, Samoth's guitarwork is perhaps even more unique and powerful than on "World Ov Worms", due to melodic and rhythmic experimentation and innovation that was not so present before. Being entirely riff-based, the songs on "Aeon" are surprisingly catchy without losing their brutality and heaviness. And of course, Destructhor's leadwork is truly destructive. His solos lock in well with the songs, rather than being superfluous high-speed noodling. Most of all however, Secthdamon's vocals are unbelievably brutal. His death metal stylings add a whole new element to the band's sound. Previous listeners may find this to be a turn-off point (especially the "true black metal" fans), but it only further develops and charts out Zyklon's territory. This is the only reason why "World Ov Worms" might be a better starting point for listeners getting into the band. The music on "Aeon" has a distinct death metal groove though, which might be easier for some to digest than the high speed maniac blasting of "World Ov Worms".
As a whole, "Aeon" is very cold, metallic, and militaristic sounding. All of the album's lyrics (as usual with Zyklon) were written by Faust (ex-Emperor) and are extremely misanthropic and individualistic, yet still very intelligent in their philosophy. This lends to the overall apocalyptic and cold mood of the disc. Aeon definitely isn't dark or haunting like some black metal, but it is surely powerful and deadly. Also, the disc doesn't get boring. The album is surprisingly varied - songs such as "Subtle Manipulation" and "The Prophetic Method" serve as blasting speed-demons more strongly tinged with black overtones, while "Core Solution" grinds away at a deathlike pace, and the nearly epic "An Eclectic Manner" gives a (slight, but effective) sense of melody to the disc. Samoth and the band did an excellent job with all of the songwriting, creating a perfect blend of memorable riffs with blasting, uncompromising black metal passages. Fans of newer Behemoth (on CDs like Thelema.6 or Zos Kia Cultus) would most likely enjoy "Aeon" greatly, as they have a similar approach to the death/black metal grey-area. Also – for fans of black metal looking to branch out musically, "Aeon" is a highly recommended listen. Crushingly powerful; great stuff.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Psyklon Aeon |
| 2. Core Solution |
| 3. Subtle Manipulation |
| 4. Two Thousand Years |
| 5. No Name Above The Names |
| 6. The Prophetic Method |
| 7. Specimen Eruption |
| 8. Electric Current |
| 9. An Eclectic Manner |
: 41.54
| Buy other Zyklon albums |
