ASTRALBORNE
Across The Aeons PROSTHETIC
Aspiring US trio aim for the melodeath stratosphere
Fans of melodic death metal rightly heralded the 2019 debut by Ohio’s Astralborne, with its tasteful worship of the genre’s hallmarks. Though their second effort brings little new to the template, Across The Aeons’ sci-fithemes will put the trio on the radar of anyone who applauds Iotunn’s intergalactic quest. Guitarist Derik Smith in particular flourishes on the galloping pageantry of Gemini, while the regal leads of In Flames’ December Flower offer an explicit homage to the Gothenburg sound. Star Of Extinction’s dizzying dynamics pave their way to a gorgeous crescendo, with the epic grandeur, acoustic strumming and strings of the nine-minute title track evoking the pristine soundscapes conjured by the likes of Insomnium.