Algor / Aeon Winds "Za Prahom Vzdialených Svetov..." Split CD Digipack

Two unique and talented bands from Slovakia joined their forces for the split album "Za prahom vzdialených svetov...". This highly anticipated split is released as digipak CD and limited 12"LP vinyl. Both bands bring their own tracks as well as spectacular and original presentation of carefully selected cover songs.

Track 2 Nirvana Cover

Track 5 Jean-Michel Jarre cover

Hexencave Productions are back with another fantastic slab of dark and fiery music. The two Slovak black metal outfits Aeon Winds and Algor join forces for a mesmerizing split. I have been following Aeon Winds for quite a while now and they have become a force when it comes to atmospheric and highly captivating black metal. I have not been familiar with Algor as their most recent output before this split dates back to 2013. Both bands command respect by vividly applying the hallmarks of black metal while injecting some own and fresh ideas. The Slovak metal scene has become a real force to be reckoned with so I am glad to keep discovering new stuff.
Starting off are Algor with two songs and the appeal of those is how they have applied the foundations of symphonic black metal into a stunning and furious package. They are not shy of implementing multiple rhythms, tempos, and melodies through acrobatic passages in the first song, an outburst of melody and ferocity. They have managed to combine lofty lead guitar notes and machine gun drumming with some respectable songwriting skills to give us a lengthy and expertly crafted song. Their half of this split is rounded off by track number two, which turns out to be some kind of ballad. Atmospheric key notes and slow instrumentation dominate, but the harmonies are top notch and even in case you prefer the coldness of traditional black metal you should give this one a listen.
Aeon Winds more or less continue where the left off with their 2019 album “Stormveiled”, inducing hypnosis with a plodding, weighty pace. Mighty power chords and ambient passages go hand in hand and have been interconnected to form a great song in “Castrum Desolatum”. After that we get something that feels odd, yet is also fascinating in a way. Aeon Winds have covered “Equinoxe”, a song by electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre. While this combination seems off at first the end result is something that needs to be heard. The atmospheric soundscapes we know from the French composer have been melted with harsh and cold black metal rhythms. The synth layers hover on top of the punishing riffs and the drum attacks, making up for an intriguing listening experience.
The packaging of this split in form of a digipack is once again outstanding. The cover artwork is minimalistic, yet perfectly captures the spirit. The production is great overall, with both sides sounding powerful and well-balanced. While this split might not be your usual dose of black metal we all came to know and love I urge you to check it out in case you want to experience music that is furious, yet offers an immensely deep atmosphere. Just go into this one with the right expectations.

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