In Aphelion prowls the night.
Active since 2020 between Sweden and the Netherlands, Sebastian Ramstedt‘s (guitar/vocals, Necrophobic, ex-Nifelheim…) project features Marco Prij (drums, Cryptosis, ex-Distillator), Johan Bergebäck (guitar, Necrophobic, ex-Nifelheim… ) and Tobias Cristiansson (bass, Darkened, Necrophobic, ex-Dismember, ex-Grave…) signed this year to Century Media Records before unveiling Reaperdawn, their second album.
Whether the opening moments of The Fields in Nadir seem relatively soothing, the rest is much more macabre, summoning up Black Metal’s mysteries with icy melodies and furious vocal parts, sometimes orienting the composition towards a rather martial approach. Lead parts ride this wave of darkness into A Winter Moons Gleam, where tranquility is first to emerge again, giving way to a melancholy but catchy rhythm, contrasted by the more aggressive vociferations of the virulent When all Stellar Light is Lost, which starts off at full speed. A slower break allows us to catch our breath before the cosmic solo that leads the acceleration, but the track is relatively short and rushes us into The Darkening and its dissonant harmonics that dress the steady rhythmic sound perfectly. Towards the middle of the composition, the sound becomes even more oppressive, adopting cutting Thrash influences, but the guitars return to a complex, worked-out form on They Fell Under Blackened Skies, adopting a steady rhythm to reinforce their raw power. The heady keys of the majestic passages give them a soothing quality, then the finale allows us a moment’s respite before Further From the Sun takes over, unveiling its misty wisps in its haunting canvas. Of course, the rhythm section includes a few more violent passages, giving space to the intoxicating solo before charging back to Reaperdawn, the short eponymous composition, which wastes no time in lacerating us with heart-rending melodies and an unusual jerky rhythm. The album closes with the long and mysterious Aghori, where clean sound and growls mingle to accompany us into this fascinating cavern occupied by a strangely gentle heaviness, but which nevertheless harbors its dangers.
In Aphelion‘s melodic approach stands out for its ability to blend opposites, weaving together sometimes unexpected elements. Reaperdawn easily convinces thanks to a duality of fury and airy touches.
85/100
