Reeking Aura are a death metal band from the US and this is their second album.
This is the follow up to 2022’s Blood and Bonemeal. With nine tracks and 32 minutes of material, On the Promise of the Moon is a shade shorter than the last record, while still possessing two more songs. This references Reeking Aura’s refreshed lineup, but masks the fact that this new record is more expansive and wide-ranging than its predecessor.
On the Promise of the Moon deals in punishing brutality, but where other bands might stop there, Reeking Aura go further. The doom influences have been largely exchanged for the ones discussed below – melodic, atmospheric, and progressive.
The music embraces its melodic side, but only as much as is needed to enrich the songs. This is not what you’d term melodic death metal, but it does use melody extremely well to augment the heaviness. As part of this, but also on top of it, the band create atmospheric depth and macabre moodbuilding. Again, this is used where it’s most effective, (which includes the use of strings here and there). On occasion it escapes the clutches of its death metal masters for a time, manifesting itself fully formed and lethally glorious. At other times the band’s iron grip closes hard, and it is embedded within the carnage and devastation. Either way, it adds much to On the Promise of the Moon. Underpinned by a fierce technicality and a progressive mindset, these melodic and atmospheric components come to life in a comprehensive framework of death metal might.
All of which is to say, On the Promise of the Moon offers up something greater than your standard death metal fare. Having said that though, this is still resolutely brutal death metal. Reeking Aura are simply better at it than most, writing songs that make a mark.
Nothing outstays its welcome, everything is tight and expertly performed, and the entire album is a joy to listen to, offering a death metal journey that’s remarkably potent. In addition to the songwriting, the album sounds good too. Very good, in fact. It benefits from a recording that allows all of the components to hit a very satisfying spot. And the formidable singer…let’s just say that there’s a reason he is held in such high regard by many.
Reeking Aura have levelled up. On the Promise of the Moon is an advanced masterclass in death metal that’s both enjoyable and interesting. Made by people that know the style inside and out, and are therefore able to avoid pitfalls that could ensnare less experienced acts, On the Promise of the Moon is extremely strong. This is death metal that’s better than most, so make sure you spend some time with Reeking Aura.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 