From their Bandcamp page, AERA is described as "we pay tribute to the powers of this world, the people who were here before us and their lives, values and teachings. His is how AERA have defined themselves and "The Craving Within" represents this proclamation with absolute might and conviction. We have conjured six hymns to nature, old rites and especially, to a glorious past that speaks to his sons in this day and age, where the innermost instincts and spiritual links to mankind's primordial cradle have been largely forgotten.

"Skaldens dod" opens up the album with a traditional Black Metal assault on your ears. It eventually settles into a bit of a slower groove with some light Symphonic elements in the background, but the drums keep the pace with fervor. "Frost Within" opens with a slower pace and overly-trebled guitars. The cadence and some of the phrasing reminds me of Pirate Metal to some degree. At about the half way mark, much of the sound drops, in favor of sweet violin and clean guitars. It then picks back up to completion.

"Rite of Odin" opens with a traditional Black Metal sound but with a fairly discernable riff. The vocals are high shrieks that scratch at your skin. It shifts a bit along the way, but maintains that same wickedness throughout. The piano at the end is a nice touch however. "Profetein" opens with a bit of a slower pace and some vocal chanting. The vocal shrieks come in soon after, and the sound warms up a bit. It the grinds to a slower mood...with somber tones and low, soft spoken words, and then returns to form. "Join me Tomorrow" is an odd track, opening with what is almost a traditional sounding guitar riff, but segues rather quickly into a more traditional Black metal template. The ominous background noise adds some texture here as well, giving it an edge of discord.

"Norron magi" closes the album. It has that familiar swing to it of Black Metal, but what's going on in the background builds layers of some light Symphonic elements. Overall, this was a pretty likeable album with just enough variation to keep it interesting. Some very traditional Black Metal moments will thrill the old-school enthusiasts, but there is enough in the way of Symphonic elements and odd, strange chord progressions here and there to keep it fun for the newer fans as well. Nicely done.