In the vast cosmos, there’s plenty of room for exploration. The overwhelming possibilities that being in a virtually infinite expanse are something that so many have sought to tap into across many different genres of music, and black metal has held more than enough of a presence in that conversation. Cosmic black metal has gained quite a foothold thanks to the likes of Mesarthim and Midnight Odyssey, yet there’s still more than enough room for new talent to come in and make their claim to greatness. However, deftness and vision are still absolutely critical to achieve that in a meaningful and interesting form. Silaera accomplishes that spectacularly with its first full-length album.

While I am always a fan of bands that go big or go home, there’s always respect in a band resisting the urge to try for something so grandiose and expansive that the work quickly exceeds the band’s capacity to control and temper the experience such that the whole of it works in tandem with itself, not wrestling with warring aspects. When dealing with cosmic black metal, it’s already a sound that is, by its own nature, heavily contrasted in its ideals, concepts, and approaches. It’s a delicate balance between the deep atmospheres and the scathing ferocity, yet it’s because of bands like Silaera and efforts like “An Aberration of the Void” that we’re able to witness such a balance executed with masterful precision with sensational results to match. Silaera pulls from its three previous EPs to make “An Aberration of the Void” a little slice of extraterrestrial devastation that has far more layers than what I think many might initially expect from this act. A five-track offensive with zeal for an entropic realm amongst the stars, it’s in every step forward that Silaera makes itself known as an entity that is more than adept at bringing to life much of what cosmic black metal has become known for. Navigating between the supernovas and showcasing an understanding of the craft that allows for even the smallest moments of the record to shine like that of the most brilliant constellation, “An Aberration of the Void” is as fascinating to behold as it is uncompromising in its ferocity.

For all intents and purposes, Silaera has taken a dramatic step forward in its evolution. In damn near every given aspect, this is an effort that does naught but immense justice for all that cosmic black metal should be when it’s put into the hands of explorers that dare to reach the heavens while making damn sure to revere their might. “An Aberration of the Void” is certainly a far cry from what any would consider one of the finest works of the sound in recent times, but it demands to be said that Silaera has crafted something here that is more than worthy for your attention. A foundational piece that can mark the beginning of a need-to-know name in this sound, this is a record that has more than enough to uncover should you seek to traverse its depths.

LISTEN to “An Aberration of the Void” on Bandcamp here.

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