When it comes to the local black metal Slovakia is up there with some of the world’s finest. While maybe not yet as popular as other regions the artists from this region keep gaining respect. Malokarpatan, Stangarigel, Krolok or Krajiny Hmly are a few examples who released some top-notch stuff within the last years.

One band that should also be mentioned among the spearhead figures and prime examples are Aeon Winds! They have been active since 2007 with Svarthen being the only remaining founding member. Their 2019 full length “Stormveiled” was a great piece of atmospheric music and their newest and third album “Night Sky Illuminations” follows the same path further.

Aeon Winds move at various speeds, often with explosive outbursts of raging tremolos followed by laid-back and more ambient sections, but always in a very stringent and fitting way. At the same time, their music does never cross the line into commercial superficiality. The dark aura is suggestive and the sounds, always filled to the brim with intense mood, are served with a certain venom. The band's compositions are usually multi-layered constructions, there is room for both metallic noise and atmospheric calm, a perfect example of which is the longest track here, “Blazing Monuments”, which combines all the trademark strengths of this unique combo. The band also proves that very simple motifs can be extremely captivating and hold the listener's attention if done in the right way.

SILVER LP