Aegean Sorrow by On Thorns I Lay (Alone Records)
Aegean Sorrow by On Thorns I Lay (Alone Records)
Hailing from the same legendary Grecian metal empire that bestowed upon us all the likes of Rotting Christ and Septic Flesh, the long running On Thorns I Lay has returned, granting their finest magnum opus upon the world at large. Aegean Sorrow is the name of their eighth breathtaking masterwork, and its auditory tapestries are destined to captivate music aficionados from all over this sullen, dying planet.
Over twenty years into a brilliant career and Aegean Sorrow finds On Thorns I Lay at the very height of their creative energies, and the results found within are nothing short of epic in scope. A sweeping amalgamation of death and doom may be witnessed when checking into depressive sonnets unleashed by On Thorns I Lay, and what a sonic adventure they have in store for both their ardent fan base and new converts.
After an ominous Intro, On Thorns I Lay traverse into the almighty refrains of the title track Aegean Sorrow, instantly hooking the listener in with an impenetrable wall of intrigue that is absolutely wondrous to behold. Erevos is desolate and ambitious, showing each and every On Thorns I Lay troubadour at their most impassioned. Then it’s time to seek out In Emerald Eyes and explore the cavernous entreaties of this bleak yet inspiring selection.
Olethros Pt’s 1 and 2 is a devastating display of sonic artistry as On Thorns I Lay unveil their own fascinating vision of utter destruction followed by an oncoming renewal of the spirit. The Final Truth is a somber hymn featuring grim clean vocals that merge into the most penetrating of atmospheric melodies along with dire growls of shock and torment. And then what follows are two exquisitely melancholic yet serenely magnificent compositions – A Sign Of Sadness and Skotos – concluding the massive Aegean Sorrow experience on a pensive yet thoroughly reflective note.
In addition to the superb musicianship to be found within the On Thorns I Lay battalion, tech credits are absolutely first rate. Aegean Sorrow was captured at Devasoundz Studios by Fotis Benardo (Rotting Christ, Septic Flesh) and mixed and mastered at Unisound AB Studio by the one and only Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath, Incision). Here’s hoping On Thorns I Lay make their way into the confines of North America to cast their bleak and enchanting spell upon on all! In the meantime, be sure to check out the dynamic Aegean Sorrow as well as On Thorns I Lay’s immense and celebrated back catalog of superlatively profound reveries.
(Review by Ken Morton)
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