Next on the list: Aenaon. A blackened death metal group hailing from Hellas, Greece. They were formed in 2005 and recorded their debut EP Phenomenon two years later after a seemingly endless search for a full line-up. Aenaon was picked up by Bleak Art Records and the EP was released in September of 2009.

Phenomenon opens with “Et In Arcadia Ego”, a mystifying atmosphereic track utilizing keyboards and industrial elements bearing no resemblance to the rest of the album – it merely provides the prelude to chaos as “Perdition: A New Era” unleashes Aenaon’s true purpose. The band’s talents are clear in the onslaught which follows, a technical attack coupled with melodic guitar riffs and merciless drumming.

It’s heavily influenced by Emperor and Zyklon (fans of either should take notice) and while this leaves me with the feeling I’ve heard this before, it’s still interesting and dynamic enough I haven’t turned it off after more than a few listens. They’ve already got a solid sound to work with and clear songwriting (with chaos/cosmos-inspired lyrics fuelling their music), now all they need is a solid production and they’re well on their way.

7/10

• Genre: Black/death metal
• Label: Bleak Art Records
• Origin: Greece
• Link: http://www.aenaon-band.com/
• Year: 2009