For all that is possible in the world of black metal, it’s only evitable that we see repetition between hundreds of bands pretty quickly given how dense and oftentimes oversaturated the sound has become, especially since the rising of our current digital age. Atmospheric black metal, in particular, is one style of the genre that is victim to such a fate in many instances. There’s still plenty to be done within the sound, but many seem to retread the same paths and explore the same territories constantly to the point of exhaustion that even a slight deviation can seem like a wild difference. For Aeon Winds, they’ve never really adhered to the same ideals that plenty of others have. Sure, Aeon Winds is by no means a greatly different name to a tremendous extent, but their ingenuity and approach sets them aside from much of the competition. Continuing on with what they’ve laid forth in their last few pieces, Aeon Winds furthers their dominance over much of the current state of atmospheric black metal.

It’s always a good idea in a sound that oftentimes feels stagnant is to simply try looking at things from a different perspective even if it is only a minor adjustment at times. Aeon Winds have been exploring pre-Christian themes in their previous full-length and EP even as they’ve continued to partake in several other releases be it splits, compilations, or dishing out standalone singles. Yet, their vision for expanding their fascination with the mythical worlds like that of ancient Carpathian realms has never waned with all that’s been summoned to bring “Night Sky Illuminations” to life a certifiable peak for Aeon Winds’ efforts in the pursuit of such glory. Without fumbling for so much as a moment along the way, I wouldn’t be shocked to see people claim this to be the most mystically impressive work that Aeon Winds has put out to date. Infused with a strong and selectively used injection of symphonic splendor, the black metal that “Night Sky Illuminations” deals in is undeniably beautiful for all that it dares to be being some of the best aspects of the entire sound with Aeon Winds more than proficient at showing us how it’s done. Between the enchanting melodies, gripping atmosphere, and masterful use of the ethereal, “Night Sky Illuminations” is inexplicably magical without ever losing a shred of its sharp black metal edge even as the scathing riffage gives way to starry nights whose splendor is nothing that can be denied whatsoever. It’s a difficult blend of the sound that could have easily fallen apart in lesser hands, but Aeon Winds proved long ago that their hands are from the sort.

The natural progression of Aeon Winds is something that has bene absolutely fascinating to watch as the years have gone on with their renown growing right alongside it at a pace that is as respectful as it is wondrous to observe. It can be argued where “Night Sky Illuminations” stands in the long discography of Aeon Winds after over fifteen years of showing the underground what it’s capable of, but this cannot be argued: what’s been done here is certifiably some of the very best that we’ve ever seen from Aeon Winds as well as atmospheric black metal in recent times.

“Night Sky Illuminations” releases on November 17th via Avantgarde Music!

LISTEN to Aeon Winds on Bandcamp here.

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