March 20, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Aenaon is a black/death outfit from Greece that is described on the Metallum page as using “Chaos, hate, mathematical patterns” for some of its lyrical content. This is an interesting potpourri if ever I saw one. Honestly, the music just sounds like it’s some sort of math equation. It’s not necessarily bad at all; in fact, it’s quite good for the more technical-death-minded among us. It’s the groove-metal feel throughout that seems to keep my interest piqued. However, to be quite honest I’ve heard this very song and dance a few times already.

This EP is a follow-up to the ’07 promo the band issued and it’s really not bad. It’s not amazing, but it’s not bad. You’re not going to flip quantum equations and rewrite obscure formulas after listening to this, but you’ll get a good black-death feel from the carousel of music that sounds a tad like Emperor in spots, though not nearly as atmospheric. For example, “The Virus Code” sounds like a black experiment that might otherwise sound dated from the Old Norwegian guard, but despite its obvious late-to-the-party feel it’s a good track. Vocalist Astrous (doesn’t anyone use their real names anymore?) seems to have taken a page from Ihsahn’s book with the raspy growling hiss delivery that is okay for the music style here if, once again, somewhat typical and anticipated.

“And…Chaos Enthroned” is a pretty exemplary track, providing ample sustenance for the band to be regarded as a possible candidate for future consideration. The only setback is that while Aenaon is a fine band for its genre, if you shake a tree a million bands of this type can fall on top of you at any given point. Therein lies the challenge for a reviewer. The music is above par throughout and deserves the credit for that very large plus, but when it comes to setting the bar higher than anticipated for any other band Aenaon might just as well be in that “Hey, they’re a good band, but…” category.

While I don’t feel ignoring this is necessarily advantageous because it is a good experience, rushing out to buy another Emperor clone, albeit a slight one, wouldn’t be on the top of my list either. Still, it’s a good effort, even if it has been done to death a million times and counting. 

Release Date: September 22, 2009
Label: Bleak Art Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Et In Arcadia Ego
2.  Perdition, A New Era
3.  The Virus Code
4.  And... Chaos Enthroned
5.  Navel
6.  Extradimensional Wall

Total playing time:  24:19

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Aenaon - Phenomenon EP