AETHERIAN
At Storm’s Edge LIFEFORCE
Greek melodeath high-risers stay the course on album two
After the surprising success of their 2017 debut album, The Untamed Wilderness, Greece’s Aetherian are on the radar of melodeath fans internationally, and expectations are high for its follow-up. At Storm’s Edge meets them – mostly. Following a short intro, first track proper Army Of Gaia offers an Insomniumstyle mid-pace with grandiose leads and low, bellowed vocals. The title track is a standout, lent urgency by the opening blastbeats before spreading its wings. Although strings are sprinkled throughout, At Storm’s Edge relies mainly on stirring guitar and fist-pumping pacing, with only a couple of songs feeling like they drag. Otherwise, this is majestic, anthemic and wellexecuted melodeath.