Hæthen ‎"Shaped By Aeolian Winds" CD

I was unaware of this band until seeing their impending release on the very fine Ars Magna label. They had an initial demo release from nearly 5 years ago as well as a previous incarnation as the band Opus Dei. I will need to create familiarity.
This is a release which is quite mature for being a first full-length. It creates an auditory landscape which encompasses so much feeling through beauty, intensity, and musical artistry. These individuals take elements from much of what is currently en vogue (Winterfylleth, Wodensthrone, Cascadian scene, etc.) and mix it with a death metal back bone to creates something oh so compelling. The album flows from start to stop in a way that creates a seamless and unified experience.
I have nary a complaint about the recording as well. Everything is present and paid heed in the mix. The guitar work is a tempered and restrained lesson in metallic beauty that consistently has me pausing in elation. The creativity on this album is never ending. I grin ear to ear with the drummer who seems to often be just to the safe side of losing himself to chaos when eruptions of blast ensue. The vocals, often a fine black rasp, are a perfect complement to this music to show such depth, feeling, and ferocity.
This release is rounded out by a series of illustrations used to flesh out the lyrical narrative which is classically inspired and elegant. They are a mix of earthy root and spiritual soar to clinch the whole package. Here we have another fantastic release from Ars Magna and hopefully the first of many for this inspired group of musicians.

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