From the ashes of what once was, something always arises. It may not be in the form that we expect, but something will absolutely come forth from what was laid to rest much like the phoenix. I have listened to thousands of bands over the years that I’ve been doing these reviews, and Aegos is one of the many names that I’ve made a point to keep a clear remembrance of. Their debut album a few years ago left quite the impression on me with it being particularly flavorful and wildly interesting with it really making me wonder where it would take Aegos next. As it turns out, it would take them under a new moniker. With a fresh name but all the experience of before, Stillbeing is the new name on the scene that already demands your respect and immediately earns it with all that it has brought forth for its impressive debut album.

While some of us might expect a change in sound to go along with the name, I consider ourselves fortunate that such a thing has not taken place here. Stillbeing’s christening album could have taken a completely different direction from what was thrown down in its previous incarnation, but it is in every way that we’re able to trace a clear line from the past to now with the monolithic arrival of “World Builder” showing us the evolution that we were expecting out of Aegos with all the tenacity, prowess, and wonder that we possibly could have asked for.

A cataclysmic and utterly hypnotic blend of heaviness, bouts of progressive wonder, gripping atmospheres, and an undeniable level of craftsmanship to bring it all together gloriously, “World Builder” instantly sets itself apart from the competition on every given level. I am hesitant in pinning this creation as one of the realm of post-doom metal as there is so much more happening within, but I suppose it is only human nature to try and put something as grand and mind-bending as this into more understandable terms for us to wrap our tiny minds around. Stillbeing shows off its undeniable prowess at being able to bring together harrowing atmospheres that lure you further into its depths while there is light and darkness that seem to bend to the very will of the band as “World Builder” progresses with sights small and large having a grand scale and magnitude to it all such that one is buckled their very knees by the grandeur of such a creation. The power that Stillbeing wields with a true understanding of all that it is makes the album an absolute powerhouse that always has you directly under its pressure while you are always looking forward to whatever it is that may come next for there is no way you could predict the path next taken.

This is a vicious album that holds your very spirit in place without exception, and it’s only fitting that Stillbeing would thrown down something as monumental as this to usher in a new era for the musicians behind the act. A performance that leaves you rooted in place as the very majesty of Stillbeing is nothing to be underestimated in any form, “World Builder” stands as a debut that demands to be heard. Whether or not you found yourself familiar with Aegos, Stillbeing is a name that you absolutely must not allow to escape for then you will be missing out on one of the very best creations that the style has dished out as of late by far.

“World Builder” releases on July 7th!

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