A Parallel Zoetrope is a partnership between Greek black metal enthusiasts Aeneon and blasphemous Romanian counterparts Satanochio released on 7’ vinyl. One song by each band is featured on the album both in the realm of avant-garde black metal but with very different outcomes.

I have the pleasure of checking up once again on the guys from Aenaon whom I’m very curious to hear since reviewing Phenomenon. A few lineup changes have occurred since Phenomenon was released almost a year ago. Draugen (guitars) and Vanghmar (drums) have parted ways for various reasons and Achilleas rejoined to fill the empty guitarist slot as well as take a leading role in the mixing of “I, Tyrant”. Aenaon’s sound has definitely blossomed since the last time we crossed paths into something more diverse and “I, Tyrant” illustrates this growth. It isn’t drastically different, but the change is evident enough to know they’re progressing, twisting and manipulating their black metal foundation into something more experimental and unique. Each element is distinct and in some cases unexpected but all has its place in the overall feel of the song. If this is a taste of the emerging creativity to come, I’m genuinely excited for the new album.

Satanochio’s track “Crimson Grim” can be described as raucous, raw, and blasphemous. Like Aenaon, they take an unconventional approach to black metal, but the result is a chaotic combination of avant-garde and thrash that sounds not a bit like A Parallel Zoetrope’s other half. They’ve managed to create an unsettling sound led by a high, choked scream in an atmosphere of, well, insanity. Trying to get into the minds of Satanochio is an impossible feat indeed and what confuses me about them is the apparent regression from a more refined sound (From Beyond – 2008) to something so intensely raw. If you’ve never heard them before, try digging up some old material, too.

Now is it worth trying to get your hands on one of the limited 500 copies? For diehard fans, yeah for sure. A Parallel Zoetrope is artistically impressive and combines two unique takes on experimentalist black metal including Aenaon’s most interesting track to date.

“I, Tyrant” – 8/10
“Crimson Grim” – 6/10

• Genre: Black metal
• Origin: Greece / Romania