From Bandcamp, "twenty years after their founding, Brazilian AIN SOF AUR are not only still active, but continue to be the embodiment of occult black metal that treads the Left-Hand Path, flowing through Draconian currents and Chaos Gnosticism. "Theos-Vel-Samael" marks their return to the scene and is once again a dark and epic work, rich in symbolism. "Theos is Greek for God, Vel as an interpretation of a sharp and ferocious symbol of wisdom, while Samael—though connected to Lucifer—should be read separately as Sama-El, aka the Poison of God," AIN SOF AUR explain. "In other words, the path to divine knowledge lies in the Poison of God, as a means of dissolute existence in order to reach the Apotheosis, the supreme dark enlightenment."

The first track, titled "I," is a 21-minute beast. There's a slow entry, with a bit of dissonance, but once it gets going, you hear intricate and sophisticated songwriting, as well as a constantly shifting sound and pace. The vocals are utterly horrid, and you are treated to various shades of greys and blacks. It's like a disease that slowly spreads. First, you feel just a bit sick. As it progresses, you get worse, but by the time you make a doctor's appointment, the disease has taken root. The angry passages for me represent your body fighting back, and the desolate one represent you giving in. "II" is a bit shorter, at 14 minutes. The interesting thing about these lengthy songs so far is that it doesn't seem like that much time has passed when you are immersed in the album. The shifts are subtle, almost like you don't notice them. But they are placed exactly where the band wants them.

"III" is the final song, and it's like a fire erupting after years of darkness and the coming of the Anti-Christ to the world of men. When he walks the earth, he gives each of us a chance to either join the dark side, or die.  This was a fascinating album and a progressive and technical marvel. In considering the themes of the album, what is meant to me is the destruction of your old self so you can transform into something better and newer…or gnosis through darkness. However, these kinds of occult ideals typically come with a steep price…your soul. If you want to walk down that path, make sure you understand the consequences.