Aeternam - Disciples Of The Unseen

Disciples Of The Unseen is the debut album from Quebec’s Aeternam. Seeing the words “Review if you like Behemoth, Vader, and Nile” is the main reason I jumped all over this record when I saw it pop up on the MetalBlade review pool. Getting the opportunity to check out new material that has a lot of potential is always a treat when doing these reviews. I find myself more often reviewing the cesspool of the heavy metal community rather than the gems.

Since I’ve had access to the MetalBlade review pool, I’ve always noticed how they are normally off on the band comparisons. There are quite a few times already that I’ve check out a band based on the “Review If You Like” section to be completely caught off guard by what I’m delivered. This is one of the rare times that they almost nailed it. Behemoth is definitely the easiest comparison as Aeternam’s core is a very similar blackened death metal that the Nergal & Co. brings to the table. At times the more thrash death metal of Vader makes an appearance and it’s capped off with the Egyptian influence that is the gimmick made famous by Nile. Not to sound like a clone of any of the previously mentioned bands, Aeternam brings to the mix their own brand of melody that intertwines brilliantly throughout the record.

There is one other comparison that MetalBlade left out that I would have included. They definitely should have added Dimmu Borgir to that list. I only say Dimmu Borgir because that’s by far the most popular group associated with this type of metal that incorporates the use of clean vocals and is able to do it without ruining songs. It’s this element that I can foresee being the “make or break” factor for the band. During the first run through I really hated it and thought that it really ruined the album. At the time, to me they had a good thing going with the Behemoth worship and it was being ruined by the clean vocals. It wasn’t until during the 2nd and 3rd listen that I began to appreciate it a lot more. Achraf Loudily can sing his ass off. When his cleans kick in it almost sounds like he should be singing for Incubus rather than a metal band. Not everyone is going to like these parts but I think it will grow on most if given the chance.

I’m a total sucker for bands like Vader and Behemoth, so to me a band that is obviously inspired by them gets thumbs up from me. For the most part I’m not really into the idea of clean vocals but some bands, like Dimmu Borgir and Borknagar, are able to get away with it because they do it right. Aeternam is another one of those bands that gets a pass. I took a gander at their touring schedule and I’m bummed to see they aren’t coming near my area anytime soon. I’d love to check these guys out live.

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