Aoratos - Gods Without Name (2019)

From mastermind Naas Alcameth (Nightbringer, Akhlys), today we have a very interesting Black Metal/Dark Ambient release titled “Gods Without Name”. Under the moniker of Aoratos, this outfit unleashes nine highly atmospheric pieces to comprise their debut release. Full of ideas perfectly executed, this release is in the vein of experimental BM bands like Blut Aus Nord as well as Mysticum and with some hits of Diabolos Rising thrown in the mix.

After setting a very hellish ambiance with “Parallax I”, the band slowly drifts into heavier territories with the ravaging “Holy Mother of Terror”. The band unleashes a commanding aural onslaught filled with dissonant riffs and blistering drumming. Paired with hellish vocals, the attack continues as “Of Harvest, Scythe and Sickle Moon” unravels. The band’s sound is both raw and punishing without the need to sound like it was recorded on a shed, allowing the listener to experience it at full blast and not damage their speakers.

The album title track rolls in with a thunder, delivering waves of incisive riffs and blast beats, enshrouded by a thick atmosphere. The track nicely transitions into more hellish onslaughts in “Thresher”. This track perfectly creates a whirlwind atmosphere thanks to its subtle synths and blistering tempo. The band’s aural abuse continues with the playful “The Watched on the Threshold”, featuring an intoxicating tempo and some of the most intense drumming in this album.

The Ambient piece“Prayer of Abjection”, provides a nice breather and expertly connects with the ominous opening of “Dread Spirit of the Place”. While less intense than most songs, this track creates a very unique and powerful atmosphere that we greatly enjoyed, but make no mistake, there are still some furious onslaughts present to keep things balanced. Overall, “Gods Without Name” unleashes an unstoppable aural attack that is both brutal and yet refined. If you like highly atmospheric/ambient Black Metal, do not miss this release.

Label: Debemur Morti

Release: March 22nd, 2019

Genre: Ambient/Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: USA