Search - Aeternus :: Beyond the Wandering Moon

Aeternus' Debut, "Beyond the Wandering Moon"

09/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Beyond the Wandering Moon" is the Aeternus' first studio full length album, a follow up to their extremely rare to find ep, "Dark Sorcery". "Dark Sorcery" is the band's classic first appearance, however, this album is a vast improvement in all areas including song writing, vocals, production, and so on. There is a greater similarity between "Beyond..." and "so the night became", therefore my suggestion is to pursue both these titles equally. Probably the most magnificant composition of "Beyond.." would be track 6, "vind", a gripping and enpowering tribute to one of the four most dear forces of nature. Guest backing vocals are provided by Svartlav and are a fitting antithesis to Ares' lower pitched roars. This album concludes with the typical Aeternus ending, an enchanting acoustic passage, entitled, "the Last Feast" which is technically a cover of a thousand year old celtic song. I emplore you to obtain this album...."

The beauty of subtlety in density

A Flickering | England | 04/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A blizzard is conjured, a crystal sheet penetrating the darkness, glistening with strength. The strength of your ancestors, your people, as you and they become one with the Earth. You are a warrior, and you will die honourably, at peace with yourself and with your world. You will wait for the storms.



Ah, this is a beauty - one to which I can't hope to do justice with mere words. Ambient, pulsing rhythms reminiscent of a ship rocking on stormy seas. Folk-tinged melodies vary subtly against a blanket of white noise which dominates the CD. Rhythmically driven by the drums which throb broodingly in the background. Vocals aren't prominent either - deep, lengthy growls, adding an extra layer of darkness and rhythm to the music. The album closes with a reflective Celtic tune which is very aptly named "Celtic Harp Solo", having opened with an ominous piano piece. In addition, the production is excellent.



In a way similar to the very best of Burzum and Sacramentum, Aeternus succeed at disconnecting the listener and transporting them to an unexplored world with endless possibilities."