CD review DVNE ‘Etemen Ænka’

Dvne is a very interesting band. The guys from Edinburgh started in 2013 as Dune, inspired by the sci-fi epic ‘Dune’ by Frank Herbert, before renaming the band into Dvne. After having published two EP’s the debut hit the shelves in 2017. ‘Ashersa’ is the name of this first album that acted as a springboard for the band to sign a deal with Metal Blade Records. Now, four years after the debut helped the band to get extra attention it is ‘Etemen Ænka’ being the next step on the rise.

Dvne is a band that has a wider musical approach than solely sticking to a specific genre framework. Their music is layered, harsh and soulful as well, often also with a good sense for melodies that are never cheesy. Sludge, rock and post metal blends into each other on this album, providing a musical experience that worth to hear more than once. Songs like the 11 minutes closer ‘Satuya’ are basically composition that combine creativity and an own vision when it comes to music. Picking up the calmer tones from ‘Asphodel’ the tenth track on the album slowly evolves to a heavy tune that summarizes the album in a good fashion. Built on a good flow, calmer moments and might outbursts interact perfectly. But there is also a lot of good stuff before the closer fishes off the album.

It all starts with ‘Enuma Elis’ and when listening to the album for the first time, I had to check if I really pressed the ‘Play’ button. It’s a rather calm beginning that quickly turn into a might post-metal-based song with a heavy pounding beat and hoarse vocals by frontman. ‘Towers’ is a bit heavier and builds on a slower rhythm and a kind of hypnotic expression. Speed isn’t what counts with the grinding riffs being the intensifier.

As mentioned earlier, it’s the variations that adds to a very positive view on ‘Etemen Ænka’. The focus is on the harsh and heavy moments. It’s the calmer sections like ‘Weighing of the Heart’ that acts as a distraction. It’s a twist that doesn’t stop the flow on ‘Etemen Ænka’. Another brick in this musical monument is the very melodic beginning of ‘Omega Severer’ and although the song becomes heavier quickly, it’s another piece of variation that does its job very well.

Next to the musical aspect ‘Etemen Ænka’ contains a lyrical concept too which intensifies the depth and entertainment factor of the longplayer. If ‘longplayer’ doesn’t only relate to running time but also to longtime listening experience the term fits perfectly for Dvne second album. Metalheads that aren’t afraid of layers and twists while still appreciating a powerful riff should give this album a listen.