Review IN APHELION “Reaperdawn”

In Aphelion is quite new … and not. The band was founded in 2020 and released their debut album “Moribund” in 2022. A look at the line-up, however, reveals some names that are known from other bands. Sebastian Ramstedt, Johan Bergebäck, Tobias Christiansson and Marco Prij, they all have a longer track record in metal and they are on a blackened adventure called In Aphelion.

The Swedish/Dutch metal heavyweights have completed work on their sophomore album entitled “Reaperdawn”, and what began on their debut now finds a well-forged continuation. With a deal signed with Century Media, there is nothing standing in the way of expanding the fan base, as long as the music allows it. After listening to “Reaperdawn” a few times, I can say that what comes out of the speakers has the potential to take the band to the next level.

Driven by a blackened soul, the eight songs show talent, dedication and experience, starting with a song called “The Fields in Nadir”. The opener begins with a kind of acoustic intro that even reminds me a bit of Iron Maiden before a harsh riff breaks the calm before the storm. What follows is more than a breeze. It is a sonic hellfire. The six-minute song not only shows the aggressiveness of In Aphelion’s music. It also demonstrates a good sense for twists and breaks.

If you expect a moment of rest after such a powerful start, I have to disappoint you. Even though “A Winter Moons Gleam” starts acoustically too, the song quickly develops into a massive riff-beast, combining a sinister atmosphere with a rather melodic guitar line. Still, the entire longplayer is fueled by blackened metal from the north, but it’s the melodies woven into these songs that make each of the eight tracks immediately appealing.

There’s also “The Darkening”, which builds on hypnotic repetition, while fans of shredding guitars will get their little extra at the beginning of “They Fell Under Blackened Skies”.

Interestingly enough, the title track is by far the shortest song on the album. Not even coming close to the four-minute mark, “Reaperdawn” is a raging piece of music. It’s a pulverizing metal inferno with screaming guitars and anarchic expression.

The final chapter of this release is called “Aghori” which is the most impressive track on the album. A hypnotic rhythm is what drives this song that is kept at a moderate pace. Spiced with some acoustic moments, the tracks evolve into a massive beast that is a glorious finale of a well-done album.

“Reaperdawn” may not offer a completely new dish. But what the four guys have created is a powerful metal album that reflects a blackened soul and a sinister vibe. The very first time you listen to the album, the songs reveal a hellish grin and at the same time “Reaperdawn” has enough details to sustain the thrill.