Aetherian – The Untamed Wilderness (2017)

Unleashing probably the best Melodic Death Metal release of 2017, today we have Grecee’s Aetherian and their full-length debut release “The Untamed Wilderness”. Picking all the best elements from bands like Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, Amon Amarth, Dark Tranquility, and Nightrage, this outfit delivers an intense nine-track performance that is worthy of recognition. If you are a fan of melodic DM, this is one hell of an album you can’t afford to miss.

Opening with “Clouds Gathering”, the band sets an Insomnium-esque start which is blown wide open with the catchiness of “The Rain”. With instant headbanging-inducing riffs, this track showcases the band’s knack for catchy and technically proficient song writing. As the band pummels through killer songs like “The Path” and “As the Veil Fades”, we also start noticing the band’s unique signature style as they incorporate influences and make them their own with a very refined style.

Giving us a mixture of Before the Rain-like and Amon Amarth-esque riffs, “Shade of the Sun” is definitely one of our favorite songs thanks to its intensity and melodic approach. The band does a great job in layering melodic riffs with solid guitar leads, showcasing their versatility and execution skills. We also enjoy the more mellow songs like “Seeds of Deception” and “Wish of Autumn Twilight” that perfectly balance melody with intense onslaughts and tight drumming.

Crafting songs with very unique tempo changes like “Dark Earth”, allow the band to distinguish themselves from the rest while delivering the same consistency and excitement we expect from established bands. Closing with “Black Sails”, we are left completely impressed with Aetherian’s brilliant songwriting skills and excellent musicianship. “The Untamed Wilderness” is definitely hands-down one of the best Melodic Death Metal releases of 2017 and should definitely be in your collection.

Label: LifeForce Records

Release: November 24th, 2017

Genre: Melodic Death Metal

Country: Greece