Aeternus

Beyond the Wandering Moon (1997)

Aeternus were part of the wave of bands that burst upon the scene in the mid-1990s after the release of classic second-wave Black Metal albums of Norwegian inner-circle. As with albums released by bands such as Borknagar and Ulver who did not release albums until after the initial explosion of the early years, Beyond the Wandering Moon has both a more experimental and folk-based song-writing approach that stands in contrast to many of the rawer sounds of their peers. In this respect these bands took what Enslaved started on Vikingligr Veldi but expanded the folk elements to greater extremes.

The major difference between Aeternus and their peers, both earlier and contemporary, was the production approach (which has a really clear, full-bodied sound) and their incorporation of dark, dense chords and thick, meaty drum sound into their music. Whilst I hesitate to call these particular elements "death metal", it would not be a stretch to say that they were inspired by that genre, given Aeternus became more of a Black/Death hybrid as their career progressed. What this does is give the music a real 'force' behind it, something more 'tangible' and 'heavy' and when combined with the droning atmospheric qualities of Black Metal it becomes fairly unique -  the over-whelming material nature of say Death Metal (or earlier forms of Metal) meets the more dreamy intangible, spiritual and magical qualities of Black Metal.

Where Beyond the Wandering Moon really excels is its internal flow. Despite the aforementioned merging of different styles or musical philosophies this album is really even as a listening experience and there are very few abrupt changes of mood/atmosphere or misplaced tempo changes.  Thunderous, stormy passages often evaporate into lush folkish melodies, like the first signs of calm after the passing of a storm. The cadence found in some of these songs has that feeling of adventure, due to the strumming patterns and drumming rhythm feeling like they are rocking back and forth. It is almost like sailing on the small ships of yore, with the waves crashing to and fro,  as you journey across the endless sea under the wandering moon away to realms unknown. The music does have hints of sadness and perhaps fear of the unknown, and there is an impenetrable darkness that pervades throughout, but there is also a steely resolve found in here, an urgency to press on into the darkness (that comes from the denser elements). 

The beauty of Aeternus at this point in their career was that they really did not sound like anyone else. They were melodic but the dual harmonisation of Dissection or Sacramentum is no where to be found. There are many folk elements in their music,  but they are easily distinguished from the majestic rawness of Enslaved or the more progressive or Post-Black Metal focus of someone like Ulver. The album is also epic with long, well crafted songs, but the symphonic elements of Emperor are not present. Instead the band forged their own little niche that after all these years still has few comparable alternatives.