Aurora Borealis – Apokalupsis (Review)

Aurora Borealis are a black/death metal band from the US and this is their seventh album.

I always enjoy hearing Aurora Borealis’ music. Their last release – World Shapers – was an exemplary example of how to combine death and black metal influences into a brutal blackened blend of extremity.

So it’s with past glories in mind that we turn to Apokalupsis, and it seems that the last four years have been spent preparing a fresh crusade to bring even greater glories to the Aurora Borealis saga.

Yep, the band are back once more with a comprehensive concept album spread out over 41 minutes of charismatic blackened aggression. Aurora Borealis are one of those bands that managed to carve their own little niche for themselves in the wider extreme metal landscape quite early on. Although they are obviously of the black/death genre, and their music contains all of the usual components you would expect to find in a release like this, they manage to package and present this in such a way that allows their own collective personality to shine strongly. As such, their songs are easily identifiable as their own. Once you’re familiar with the band, you’d recognise them anywhere.

This individuality comes partially from the delightfully blackened croak of the band’s singer, but also from the well-written and arranged music. Full of riffs, melodies, and structures that are surprisingly catchy and memorable for something like this, I find that Aurora Borealis always make a good impression, and Apokalupsis is no different.

Upbeat and energetic, with a wide array of effective riffs, cosmic melodies, and some good ideas and flourishes, this latest album by Aurora Borealis is as strong as anything they have produced.

If I had my way this kind of thing would be required listening. It’s just so very enjoyable. I mean, what’s not to like here? How can you not enjoy what Aurora Borealis do? I’m sure some will find a way, of course, but that’s their loss. For my part, I’ll continue listening to Aurora Borealis for many years to come. Top stuff.