In 2016, I discovered the band Aephanemer with their album "Memento Mori." Initially, I was drawn in by a stunning, colorful cover depicting ancient ruins adorned with flowers in a comic book style. This just goes to show the importance of artwork should never be underestimated. With their new album "Prokopton," the band once again presents an impressive cover, more illustrative and abstract yet still vibrant. Musically, this graphic style might suggest a doom metal or stoner vibe influenced by the '70s, but that's not the case! Aephanemer plays melodic death metal. This marks the band's third release, following their debut EP "Know Thyself" in 2013.
Aephanemer easily fits alongside melodic death metal bands like Children of Bodom, Equilibrium, and even Amon Amarth. The incorporation of symphonic elements and medieval themes lends an epic quality to this album. From the very first listen, the production quality stands out. The sound is massive and clear, allowing each instrument to shine through, which undeniably enhances the sense of power that resonates throughout this record. One can easily imagine sailing on a longship, cutting through the waves of a stormy sea.
Certain tracks, such as "Dissonance Within," with its cinematic intro, incorporate symphonic elements that highlight the keyboards. The song "Snowblind" evokes grand epics and immerses us in the role of valiant warriors. The album showcases a variety of songwriting styles; there are more aggressive tracks like "The Sovereign," along with frequent and well-executed tempo changes. I particularly recommend listening to "Snowblind," which features a calm, sung break in the middle that serves as a truce before launching back into a furious pace.
"At Eternity’s Gate" provides a refreshing instrumental interlude in the midst of the album, showcasing Aephanemer's writing and musicianship. Everything sounds perfect on this record: the rhythm section supports the overall sound well, and the melodies are enjoyable both in the guitars and keyboards. The death vocals are spot on. It’s impressive to see the progress the band has made. Compared to their previous release, the melodic guitar lines are more harmonious, thanks in part to a driving rhythm. This is truly a convincing album of high quality that allows Aephanemer to flirt with the giants of the genre.
