Sydney’s Rise of Avernus debut album is a slab of epically proportioned melodic doom metal fit for those willing to take a stroll on the side of metal that beckons the call to huge production values and a Peter Jackson silver screen adaption.
The opening song reflects the rest of the albums intentions of seemingly endless instrumentation and gargantuan sized riffs. This is the music the ring wraiths of Mordor would listen to when they’re not stabbing half-lings in the chest (or maybe whilst). Things really start to heat up on track 2, The Mire. It opens with an intricate piano arrangement before bludgeoning the listener with fast paced drums and astonishingly heavy guitar tones.
One of Rise Of Avernus key features as a band is their ability to incorporate interesting hooks into their songs. Whilst still freakishly haunting, in an almost evil-carnival like fashion, the hooks help balance the monumentally heavy and doom-laden parts of their songs. The title track serves as a mid-album breather for the listener, combining violins, strings, voices and keys to create an atmospheric interlude which flows seamlessly into the next track Ethereal Blindness.
The albums tendency for a fluid motion between tracks suggests Rise Of Avernus have paid particularly close attention to track-listing. The absolutely frightening instrumental ending to Ethereal Blindness is something that really needs to be heard to be understood. There is something about light trills of a flute being whistled over heavily down tuned guitars that sends chills down your spine.
L’Appel Du Vide’s lavishly crisp production and flawless mix allow for an enjoyable listen and an entertaining ride through an album that captures the epic venture into metal through a wide range of instrumentation.
A solid debut album from yet another inspiring Australian metal act.
Highlight moments
The Mire: 3:02
Disenchanted: 3:44
Ethereal Blindess: 3:30
An Somnium: 5:00
