Artist: Zyklon
Label: Candlelight Records
Release Date: 9/23/03
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Title: Aeon Artist: Zyklon Label: Candlelight Records Release Date: 9/23/03 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Go to Reader Reviews | ||
Abyss's Review:
Zyklon (not to be confused with Zyklon-B, mind you) have returned with their sophomore release, the follow up to the well-received World Ov Worms. Aeon leaves most of their black metal leanings on the back burner, and comes across as a predominantly brutal experiment in American death metal. Comparisons to Morbid Angel are inevitable, but parts of this album remind me of Deicide and Vader as well. Irregardless (the stupidest word ever made and my spell check accepts it with open arms, go figure), this album has just what you'd expect from a S(Z)amoth/Trym endeavor, namely well produced, thick, layered metal that is just as punishing as it is polished.
"As a 'critic' I have to say it strikes me as a little banal." And while there is no doubt that I like this album, I have a lingering feeling that it's not something I'll be coming back to all that often. I guess the reason for that is, despite all its positives (production, songwriting, accessibility, etc.), it does strike me as a bit contrived. It's this type of album I hate to review the most. The kind that given the right timing and setting, it can sound like just the thing, but as a 'critic' I have to say it strikes me as a little banal. It begs you to ask the question, "Why is Samoth trying his damnedest to sound like Morbid Angel?" It's not that it doesn't sound good, it's just that it doesn't bring anything new to the table.
The vocals are of the deep-growl variety that could be interchangeable with any of a million of death acts out there, and the guitars are thick and immaculate, but we've heard it all before. Their previous album did a much better job of striking somewhat of an identity for the band, whereas this one comes across almost as hero worship, like they've been on a death metal trip recently and been writing a lot of what they've been listening to.
"Their previous album did a much better job of striking somewhat of an identity for the band, whereas this one comes across almost as hero worship." It's hard to argue with it that much, however, especially with such brutality emanating from your speakers and infecting your mind. So I guess if you're just looking for a good metallic time, and don't want to necessarily respect (or remember) the music in the morning, go for it, you shouldn't be disappointed. One word review: Solid.
Death's Review:
Simple yet beautiful. That defines elegance. Simple yet brutal. That defines American death metal. On Aeon, Zyklon depart from the sound of their last studio effort, World Ov Worms, applying liberal dosages of what seems like some kind of magic "black metal filter," SPF 666 or something. They're left with pure and simple, dry, groovy and raw American styled death metal with slightly blackened trappings, I guess. Zyklon now sound as much like Morbid Angel as they do anything approaching Zamoth and Trym's former band, the legendary (and now defunct) Emperor. In fact, the first time I heard this album, I also had Morbid Angel's Heretic album in the six-CD changer. I got the two confused for a minute. Not a great sign. But frankly, comparing Zyklon to the latest from Morbid Angel shows that Zyklon has the tighter riffs, and more headbang-worthy grooves. Morbid wins the musicianship battle - Azagoth's signature leads and Sandoval's signature drum fills still amaze on that record - but Zyklon's got the tighter songs.
"Zyklon depart from the sound of their last studio effort, applying liberal dosages of what seems like some kind of magic 'black metal filter,' SPF 666."
"Nothing altogether different, shocking or new, but definitely still cool." In fact, the whole Zyklon album has a bit of that classic death metal feel combined with a clean and modern production (mixed by Fredrik Nordstrom at Studio Fredman) that really makes it work. The snare drum is tight and sounds like a twig snapping. The riffs are thick and pummeling. The vocals are charismatic and brutal. The album art is cool. Lyrics are provided by Bard "Faust" Eithun. Expect a Zyklon U.S. tour later this fall. Until then, check out Aeon for all your traditional death metal needs. Nothing altogether different, shocking or new, but definitely still cool.
Hel's Review:
I have fond memories of World Ov Worms though it seems like Aeons ago. (I'm sorry - I lost control - just couldn't help myself.) I can clearly remember seeing them live for the first time on the Extreme Music for Extreme People tour in NYC back in 2001, and being beaten into submission by their blistering set. I gained a new respect for Zyklon that night, and I have been eagerly awaiting this record ever since. At long last, Aeon has arrived.
"I have fond memories of World Ov Worms though it seems like Aeons ago."
"Aeon is brimming with incredible musicianship and songs that will pummel you senseless." As with the last record, black metal elements are sprinkled throughout, but Zyklon's style is predominated by death influences and these are worn on the band member's sleeves on this record, so to speak. The songwriting has improved and several of the songs, such as "Specimen Eruption" manage to be downright catchy, a rarity for a blackened death outfit. The pure death metal sections woo me and though the black overtones repel, the death elements always dominate, and the more I listen to this album, the more it wins me over.
Aeon is brimming with incredible musicianship and songs that will pummel you senseless. I often am accused of giving out too many high scores, and while there may be some truth to that, I maintain that it is only because there are so many talented bands out there. Zyklon is one of them, and I feel that I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge it. Therefore, I strongly recommend this excellent album. I sincerely hope they are able to come tour the U.S. again very, very soon.
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