19th March: Aquilus - Bellum I (atmospheric symphonic black metal, 2021)
The first Aquilus album is a bit of an enigma - arguably more classical music than metal,
despite being primarily synthesised instruments, it’s set a high watermark for modern era
symphonic black metal that has never been reached in terms of ambition. And now, a decade
later, we finally have a sequel, and all the problems you’d expect from a follow-up to such a
unique album are here. Despite the orchestral elements still being prominent, this is most
certainly a metal album first and foremost, but it still has some very detailed and
interesting arrangements for the symphonics. But beyond that point of difference, this really
does feel like a fairly shameless attempt at repeating past glory, and it falls short on
pretty much every measure. The ambition isn’t quite as high, nor are the quality of melodic
ideas. The production is a bit better though, something Griseus struggled with due to its
cast of thousands. It’s certainly good to hear more music from Aquilus, as no one has ever
come close to replicating the sound, but it’s definitely not the triumphant return many were
hoping for.
6.2 (4th listen)
1 Bumps | Bump |
