This is the fourth album from Slovakian black metal band Aeon Winds.
An Ode to the Mountains contains 60 minutes, (with bonus track), of symphonic black metal. Aeon Winds play in the older style, recalling bands such as Aquilus, Emperor, Limbonic Art, and Midnight Odyssey.
Aeon Winds have an epic, vast sound. The music is textured and detailed, with a great amount of depth and atmosphere for the listener to fall headlong into.
The songs are well-written, and instantly give me that otherworldly thrill that only comes with certain types of symphonic black metal. It takes me back to the 90s, to first discovering this sort of music in the first place, but also gives me a contemporary excitement that comes with knowing it’s still alive and well in 2025. Of course, none of this would last long – or even be a thing at all – if the music wasn’t any good. Thankfully though, Aeon Winds know what they’re doing with their material.
An Ode to the Mountains takes the listener on a journey, across high peaks and through dark valleys. The soundscapes that Aeon Winds build are majestic and cold, filled with both wonder and threat. The band spend their time wisely, conjuring atmospheric depth, but not neglecting the aggression. In fact, some of the songs have a hostile streak that is great to hear, and is always carefully integrated within the overall context of the wider song.
If the band themselves weren’t enough, guests appear, (from bands such as Ancient, Dødheimsgard, Dordeduh, and Midnight Odyssey), enriching the songs with additional vocals, choirs, and violin. These are spread out across the record, and their presence has a greater impact on the overall completeness of the music than is usual for guest appearances, while still being embedded into the whole experience seamlessly.
With their new record Aeon Winds have impressed. I have really enjoyed spending time with this record. An Ode to the Mountains is the sort of album that immediately speaks clearly to me, and only grows in stature in my mind over time. It is, simply, a great record.
Very highly recommended, for any fan of absorbing, symphonic and atmospheric black metal.
Wonderbox Metal 