Aethyrick – Death Is Absent (Review)

This is the fifth album from Finnish black metallers Aethyrick.

I always have time for Aethyrick’s brand of black metal, so it’s great to have some new material from them in the form of the 43-minute Death Is Absent. If you’re unfamiliar with the band, then as well as this new album it’s also worth checking out 2018’s Praxis, 2020’s Gnosis, 2021’s Apotheosis, and 2022’s Pilgrimage. Aethyrick may have only been around since 2016, but they’re quite prolific.

Death Is Absent builds on Aethyrick’s devotion to classic 90s black metal, taking a melodic and atmospheric approach to their art that pays homage to the era, while also further developing their own presence. The songs are well-crafted and easily absorbed if you’re a fan of the old-school blackened style. The band clearly love what they do and are skilled at executing their vision with dark atmosphere and esoteric auras.

Death Is Absent is heavily atmospheric, but not without its venomous side. The songwriting immerses the listener in Aethyrick’s occult worldbuilding, and the band’s performance holds the attention with their zealous passion. The songs use their familiar ingredients in gratifying ways, making a flavourful recipe that is effectively delivered.

Synths are used to add a layer of spectral depth, and the melodies enrich the icy blackened core of the music with feeling-rich streaks of colour. The bass can not only be heard, but also contributes its own voice at key moments, while the guitars sparkle with delicate hoar frost, engage with blackened textures, or drive forward with razored might.

Death Is Absent is another worthy addition to Aethyrick’s ever-growing discography. If you have a taste for music that focuses on the mood-rich 90s classic sound, then this is for you.

Highly recommended.