Aeon Unveils the Thrones of Decay
Downfall of Gaia

DOWNFALL OF GAIA is an Atmospheric Sludge/Post-Metal/Crust band based out of Germany. This is their third full-length release, and contains seven tracks. The opening track, "Darkness Inflames these Sapphire Eyes", really lays down the sound that is to come. It opens slowly, with a siren like guitar that reminds me of a warning that might have sounded in the waning hours of the Chernobyl disaster. There is no denying a dark and sinister quality to the music, holding back the angry, torture vocals that are done in a very traditional Death or Black metal sound. Depressing, despondent instrumentation tugs at you, like a soul heading to hell making one last attempt at life before falling into the pit. "Carved into Shadows" extends a similar sound pattern. At times I almost feel that this is Post-Black Metal in the way the chords are structured, the pitch and patterns of the vocals, and that wall of sounds that accompanies this style. It yearns with dark emotion, playing on that part of all of us that is devious at times. The main riff is just crushingly majestic, and the wails continue in what seem to be an impossible amount of time. "Ascending the Throne" is a soft instrumental, a scene setting song that might be playing in the long aftermath of an important battle. "Of Stillness and Solitude" circles back around to that slow, sludgy and grinding sound, accentuated by the power of the chord changes.
The second half of the album does not let up. "To Carry Myself to the Grave" opens with an earnest quality to it, utilizing alternating passages of blast beat brutality, and some softer and slower parts that connect very seamlessly. "Whispers of Aeon" is the longest song on the album, coming in at just under twelve minutes. It really hits hard in the Sludge/Crust sound at some points during the track as it just slams you over and over. An atmospheric passage at the half way mark hits on the other end of the spectrum, withholding the building sense of suspense. I must say that I really enjoy these more subdued passages. Sometimes saying little can have a very powerful effect. Closing the album is the song "Excavated." In a reprisal of sorts, the track opens with the same eerie siren as heard in the opening track. Overall and for the style, you can tell this band has both history and experience. They really let it all hang out here and the product is both dark and uncompromising.<
8 / 10
Excellent

"Aeon Unveils the Thrones of Decay" Track-listing:
1. Darkness Inflames these Sapphire Eyes
2. Carved into Shadows
3. Ascending the Throne
4. Of Stillness and Solitude
5. To Carry Myself to the Grave
6. Whispers of Aeon
7. Excavated
Downfall of Gaia Lineup:
Dominik Goncales dos Reis - Vocals, Guitars
Peter Wolff - Vocals, Guitars
Anton Lisovoj - Vocals, Bass
Michael Kadnar - Drums
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