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- Country of origin:
- Germany
- Location:
- Leinefelde-Worbis, Thuringia
- Status:
- Active
- Formed in:2016
- Genre:
- Atmospheric Death/Doom Metal
- Lyrical themes:
- (Post) Apocalypse, Melancholie
- Current label:
- Unsigned/independent
- Years active:
- 2016-present
Catchy, atmospheric guitar and bass runs interspersed with hard, brutal riffs, supported by powerful double bass drumming. Architects of Aeon also reflect this interplay vocally in an individual way with deep growls, emotional screams and unbelievable clean passages.
Architects of Aeon - Koloss - 92%
Architects of Aeon are a pretty new German metal band consisting of only two permanent members. After having released an EP in 2017 “Koloss” marks their first full length and based on the level of professionalism presented here it is hard to believe that we are talking about a more or less completely new outfit. Exactly knowing where they wanted to go they have crafted a dark yet highly intelligent monument of crushing riffs and moody soundscapes.
Hard hitting trademark chords are pitched against mesmerizing and at first glance slightly disharmonic-sounding melodies, creating an unholy force of destruction. The main chops are mainly reminiscent of classic doom/death bands but the melancholic nature creates a slightly apocalyptic or post-metal feeling - not unlike bands like Katatonia or the Polish combo Votum. The main chords are colossal and the buzz-saw tone of the guitar helps to create a filthy and doom-soaked atmosphere. The lead guitar harmonies are cleverly implemented and offer hints of melody into an otherwise atonal framework.
The crawling bleakness and the haunting harmonies building the backbone to the heavy instrumentation are a very important factor to the overall picture that is painted on this record. While the tempo is kept in mid-tempo most of the time there are some very slow and intense but also a few faster sections. The songwriting is great with some well-placed tempo changes giving the whole album a great flow. While there are some impressive solo pieces the song structures are never too complicated making this album quite easy to enjoy from the first moment on. The lead guitars are mainly used to create slightly disturbing soundscapes and not for some technical wankery.
Beside the spectacular guitar work also the rhythm section has to be mentioned. The drumming is precise following the main patterns of each song and highlighting several sections where an extra portion of intensity is needed. Most of the time it is kept pretty laid-back underlining the stoic and doomy nature of the music. A gloomy atmosphere is something that is very important for this record.
The production is nearly flawless. The guitars are crunchy and have enough filthiness to satisfy each fan of old-school metal music. The drums are punchy without sounding too sterile and the overall mix is very transparent. The growling is intense and accompanied by a few cleaner parts. Coming with a fantastic looking cover artwork “Koloss” is highly recommended to each fan of sophisticated and atmospheric metal music.