From Bandcamp, “When GAEREA emerged out of pandemic limbo, the masked band came branded with a vision of black metal that was guided not by myths or pagan beliefs but a purging of emotion. The world quickly came to share that vision, following them from the gates of Hellfest to tours through China and the U.S. But, with “Coma,” GAEREA are no longer strictly black metal. Though once again produced by trusted confidant Miguel Tereso, their fourth album broadens their signature sound by taking it in two seemingly opposed directions. There are more moments of intense beauty, but they only heighten the ensuing blows.”

“The Poet’s Ballet” is first, and it’s quite a pretty offering, with clean, somber tones and wonderful vocal harmonies. But what follows is pure unadulterated hate and aggression. There is so much emotion packed into this song that it is almost too much to bear. “Hope Shatters” is much shorter and it’s full on contentiousness and oppression that takes the medium of music. The sound is to thick that it threatens to drown you like a fast acting quicksand. “Suspended” is a different sound altogether, and it really shows the band’s commitment to outdo themselves on the new album. The amount of pure hate that spews from this song is like the blackness from Hell spreading above, but there are also gorgeous melodies buried within.

The title track is one of the crown gems on the album, showing the band at its fiercest and most powerful. On the same token, it also shows the band at its most vulnerable. The complexity of the music is riveting and captivating. “Wilted Flower” is as hardened as it is fragile. A flower stands as a symbol of beauty, grace, and strength. At first glance, the wilted flower is dying, but the way it refuses to quit even in the face of the frigid chill of winter is integral, and it knows it will rise again. “Reborn” is a song of strength and resilience, and the ardent tones are only bested by a deep sense of harmony within the scope of the aggressive riffs and vocals. “Unknown” has a mysterious quality at first, but segues into a contentious sound that you haven’t heard this side of Hell. Vocals lash out in anger, and the riffs are threatening.

“Kingdom of Thorns” closes the album, and it presents the holy trifecta of hardened tones combined with somber leanings as well as some melody underneath. It’s the balance that the band was able to find here that makes it so good. One pinky push in any direction would totally disrupt the feelings. This was a fantastic album, combining traditional Black Metal elements with tones of sadness and despair. Subtle melody lines run throughout the album, adding depth and contrast to the intense and atmospheric sound, while the theme of hope hangs in the balance. GAEREA are back and ready to conquer the world.