Aephanemer
Memento Mori
(Primeval Records)
Now that metalcore is transitioning away from its melodic death metal roots, melodeath feels like it’s being welcomed back into the forefront. Sure, forerunners Dark Tranquillity, Carcass, and At The Gates are still alive and kicking ass as strongly as ever, but the list of excellent modern melodic death metal group is a who’s who of metal’s most celebrated acts. This sort of Renaissance has filtered throughout Europe as well, and French upstarts Aephanemer are another great example of why the style is as potent as ever.
Aephanemer’s sound takes influence from Dark Tranquillity, Wintersun, and Children of Bodom. This translates to a style that is heavy on dial guitar harmonies, synth-led melodies, and galloping rhythms. It keeps the flamboyant fun that Children of Bodom specialize in without resorting to cheese, and Aephanemer infuse the album with a tasteful amount of folk metal. It’s a rich, truly triumphant sound that harkens back to Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, like the best melodeath.
Honestly, what most impressive is how cohesive and continuously entertaining this debut is. The record falls into the traps that most modern melodeath does, especially those groups who rely on synth work. It’s all so gloriously melodic that the heavier death metal elements feel less vital, but Aephanemer handles it all well. Aside from some weaker closing tracks, the band’s debut is a real achievement. They have carved out their own sound and have written an album that is almost entirely engaging.
