From Bandcamp, “Before starting the work on the next album “Akake”, Vasilis and Lars were replaced by Frédéric and Göran, and a new orchestrations man named Kjetil joined, all ready to unleash their musicianship into the new album. This new album was finished in 2024 and includes more guest artists that are well-known in the metal scene, namely; Rune ‘Blasphemer’ Eriksen, Kristian Niemann, Wolfgang Rothbauer, André ‘Cosmocrator’ Søgnen, and others.” The album has ten songs, and “Empyreal Spindle” is first. It begins with a good deal of tension, and then the Black Metal aggression comes roaring in. Symphonic elements are also present, along with clean vocals, but they don’t take away from the deep sound.

“Wrestling with the Gods” is shorter, but still intense. If you pay attention to the backing elements, you will notice some electronica…in Black Metal? Why not? The lead guitar breaks are excellent as well. “In the Throes of Ascension” has a steady compliment of aggressive guitars, harsh vocals, meaty bass notes, and even some cleans. It’s a firey ride that leaves a trail of smoke in its wake. “Arcane Creation” features a bevy of symphonic elements, including strings, low brass, and vocal chants. It’s a brief reprieve from some of the unbridled aggression. “On a Starpath” has clean vocals that feature harmonies along with Progressive elements, further proving the versatility of the band. The harsh vocals throw filth into the mux, but the melodies can’t be denied.

“Supernal Light” reverts back to the primal aggression of Black Metal, and the clean vocal harmonies add a layer of light to the song. They keep you forever guessing on the album so far. “Crowned” has some opening guitar distortion that lights the path of what is to come…a slow, crawling paced song that is as black as the night. It has an outstanding blend of melody, symphony, and traditional Black Metal. Those meaty bass notes also round out the song and help to make its poison sink deeper. “Q.E.D.” closes the album…a short instrumental that wraps up the sound with deep and frightening brass notes.

The best part about the album is how the band presents traditional Black Metal elements in a completely modern way. There are clean vocals, symphony, even electronica, and it’s the intriguing way they combine them that keeps the listener on their toes. This album is carefully crafted, nearly flawlessly executed, and exudes confidence in every sense of that word.