In Aphelion is back with their second full-length album, Reaperdawn, which follows their impressive debut, Moribund. It’s been a two-year wait, and fans of the Swedish/Dutch black metal group have high expectations. This time around, Sebastian Ramstedt and his seasoned crew, including Johan Bergebäck, Tobias Christiansson, and Marco Prij, continue their venture into darker, more melodic territories, solidifying their place in the metal world.
The album opens with The Fields in Nadir, an introduction that starts with a calm, acoustic ambiance, only to be shattered by aggressive riffs and ferocious vocals. The track sets a strong precedent for what’s to come, displaying In Aphelion‘s knack for blending tranquility with sheer brutality. This dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the album, apparent in the melancholic yet catchy rhythm of A Winter Moons Gleam.
When All Stellar Light Is Lost showcases the band’s ability to balance aggression with melody. Starting at full throttle, the song gives way to a cosmic solo and a brief slower passage, providing a moment of respite before plunging back into chaos. It’s a testament to how Ramstedt and company manage to keep listeners on their toes with their unpredictable compositions.
The mid-tempo The Darkening stands out with its hypnotic repetition and catchy parts, living up to its ominous title. Meanwhile, Further From The Sun offers a dramatic, slower tempo that immerses listeners in a cold, lonely atmosphere, complemented by intricate guitar solos that highlight Ramstedt‘s compositional prowess.
The title track, Reaperdawn, is a short yet intense burst of energy, under four minutes but packing a punch with its relentless pace and anarchic vibe. It’s straightforward and effective, a direct hit that makes a lasting impression.
Closing the album, Aghori provides a fitting end. The track is a massive, moderate-paced beast, built on a hypnotic rhythm and interspersed with acoustic moments. Its blend of clean sounds and growls embodies In Aphelion‘s unique ability to meld contrasting elements into a cohesive, captivating finale.
Despite its strengths, Reaperdawn doesn’t reinvent the black metal genre but rather refines and intensifies In Aphelion‘s unique sound. The album’s greatest strength lies in its blend of fury and melody, ensuring that each track is instantly engaging yet rich with details that reveal themselves over multiple listens.
In conclusion, Reaperdawn not only reinforces In Aphelion‘s position in the metal scene but also hints at even greater potential. Standout tracks include A Winter Moons Gleam, When All Stellar Light Is Lost, and Aghori. For its adept mix of aggression, melody, and atmosphere, I would rate the album a solid 9/10.
Pre-orders can be found HERE.
Tracklist:
- The Fields in Nadir
- A Winter Moon’s Gleam
- When all Stellar Light is Lost
- The Darkening
- They Fell Under Blackened Skies
- Further From the Sun
- Reaperdawn
- Aghori
Lineup:
Johan Bergebäck – guitars
Tobias Cristiansson – bass
Marco Prij – drums
Sebastian Ramstedt – vocals, guitars
Mixing & Mastering: Tore Stjerna
Cover Art: Sebastian Ramstedt
Bio: Dom Lawson
Photos: Leo Bergebaeck
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