DVNE's album "Asheran" was, for many, one of the best albums to come out of 2017, if not the entire genre as a whole. Sure, that's a big statement. But it's nonetheless true. Seriously, who can resist such a solid brand of stoner-infused sludge metal? Not me. Highly progressive and structurally sound, DVNE is as cohesive as they are musically gifted. This 5-piece metal ensemble from Edinburgh, UK, is back with their latest release, "Etemen Ænka."

By cleverly merging multiple genres like prog rock, psychedelic rock, metalgaze doom, the band has created a sound entirely their own. The opener of "Etemen Ænka" is a perfect example. The beginning of "Enûma Eliš" is quite literally jaw-dropping. Gritty, blackened vocals operate entirely in tandem with the various melodic metalcore elements. Expectations are set high right away, but these talented songwriters don't disappoint.

Track two is the heavy-hitting "Towers." It features slash-and-burn style vocals with plenty of rolling, groove-infused rhythms. With drone-metal, thrash, and even new-wave British metal influences, this track is nothing short of epic. The use of keys and choice of melodic vocals could have quickly taken the song into a less desirable direction. But, to the contrary, DVNE handles it all perfectly, without allowing any particular symphonic detail or nuances to fully take over or change the song's trajectory.

Track five, "Omega Severer," quickly became a favorite for this reviewer. New wave and post-punk influences float through the beginning of the track and gradually gain momentum to an intoxicatingly harmonic groove until they ultimately reach climax. The change-ups are perfectly placed, as are the vocals. There are plenty of hidden little gems in this song, but the varied vocal styles are worth noting. Even at nearly ten minutes in length, "Omega Severer" is well put together and thrilling to listen to.

Fans of the genre will appreciate the sixth track, "Adræden." But newbies to the genre may have a hard time understanding its purpose. "Adræden" foreshadows and prepares the soul for the emotional experience that is "Sì-XIV." Synergistic and full of sludgy groove, this track takes top bill for this reviewer. The drum and guitar work are impeccable, and the bass is thick and heavy, just as it should be.

The tenth and final song on "Etemen Ænka" is "Satuya," an experience of otherworldly proportion. Intimate and personal, the piece creates a cinematic ambiance and remains technically on-point during the album's entirety. A musical bloodletting of sorts, there is a sophistication that weaves its way throughout this album, all the way to the very last note.