Johan Ericson, well known for his work with Draconian, makes a dramatic entrance as a solo artist with his debut album, "Aeternum Vale". "The Light That Would Fade" is undoubtedly the best song on the album with beautiful calm passages that actually fit with the rest of the song, which is hard to find nowadays. It's ending, which picks up the tempo a bit and features a guitar solo, is also well placed. "Empire of the Fallen" and "The Faded Earth" both follow a similar heavier feel and are both quality doom. Musically, they are very similar, lyrically they are different (which is good for keeping interest). "Oblivion Upon Us" changes the musical themes a bit by adding more prominent backing chior vocals, piano, and focusing more on vocals over all. "The Crawling Insects" is a song that I think any Swallow the Sun fan would enjoy (similar core riffs used). Ending with "Aeternus", the album returns to the feel of "The Light That Would Fade" with a similar emphasis on the feelings of a very lonely and silent death. Overall, an impressive doom album. Especially considering he does everything on it.
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