What remains black for Gaerea are the black outfits and masks. These are also the distinctive features of a band that has evolved musically over time. The Porto-based band started ten years ago and released their debut album, “Unsettling Whispers,” in 2018. This year, the band celebrates their tenth anniversary with an album called “Loss,” and they have gained a lot over the last decade.
“Loss” is a controversial album, as the band’s sound evolves with each new release. Their fifth album marks another step away from the post-black metal of their early days. “Loss” is more of a continuation of what was presented on “Coma,” with Gaerea taking things one step further.
The new album has nine songs that showcase a band that doesn’t stand still, a quality that resonates through the opener, “Luminary.” After a short, atmospheric intro, the song gains heaviness. If Moonspell played Gothenburg-based metal à la In Flames, the result would sound similar to “Luminary,” especially in the chorus. This heavily pounding, mid-tempo headbanger is a great start to the album and challenging, as Gaerea pushes the boundaries of their musical style.
The opener is no exception. Although the blastbeat of “Submerged” is reminiscent of earlier days, the song still showcases a new dimension with its atmospheric breaks. Nevertheless, “Submerged” comes the closest to blackened post-metal.
“Hellbound” is another song that blends heavy outbursts with fragile musical moments. Combined in one song, they create a field of tension, acontrast strengthens the musical extremes of Gaerea.
“Phoenix” includes more keyboards than expected. The song fuses metalcore with a black heart and catchy hooks in a modern sounding way. The song has moments that are almost sing-along friendly, a feature that returns in “Nomad.” The latter is an atmospheric track that partly mirrors the post-black metal era, with a melodic chorus that has a power metal flavor.
The piano-driven beginning of “Stardust” and the clean vocals break the usual pattern. It is an emotional song fueled by melancholy. No other song on the album captures the spirit of the artwork as well as “Stardust.” With some harsh outbursts, the tune has a dynamic element, making “Stardust” a great way to end the album.
Gaerea gain a lot with “Loss.” It’s a bold album from a band that doesn’t shy away from innovation. Although following their musical heart without totally redirecting the needle of their musical compass is sometimes challenging for fans, Gaerea has done so. “Loss” is a stunning album that touches and surprises. It’s the unexpected, yet expected, that comes through in these nine songs.
Tracklist:
- Luminary
- Submerged
- Hellbound
- Uncontrolled
- Phoenix
- Cyclone
- LBRNTH
- Nomad
- Stardust
Label: Century Media
Genre: Post Black Metal
Release Date EU: March 20rh, 2026
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