Aara - Eiger review
Band: | Aara |
Album: | Eiger |
Style: | Atmospheric black metal |
Release date: | December 06, 2024 |
Guest review by: | Blackcrowe |
01. Die Das Wilde Wetter Fängt
02. Senkrechte Welten
03. Felsensang
04. Todesbiwak
05. Der Wahnsinn Dort Im Abgrund
06. Zurück Zur Roten Fluh
07. Grausig Ist Der Blick
08. Alptraum
The Tragic History of Climbing the Eiger.
High above She watches mightily over the valley As a black shadow Growing. (“Die Das Wilde Wetter Fängt”)
The name Aara is derived from the Aare River in Switzerland, which flows through the Bernese Alps. The band chose this name as a reflection of their connection to their homeland’s natural beauty and landscapes. The river symbolizes life, movement, and the passage of time, themes that align with Aara’s atmospheric and philosophical approach to black metal.
When rays bend And the last ones reflect in stars Soon comes the midday’s new dress They are icy tears that she weeps. (“Senkrechte Welten”)
The record is part of the 'Melmoth' trilogy, based on Charles Robert Maturin's classic Gothic novel. The concept album, focusing on the Eiger mountain, serves as a metaphor for humanity’s struggles against natural forces, and against itself. Aara uses this imagery to reflect themes of arrogance, failure, and existential perseverance. The Eiger becomes a symbol of how small we are in the face of nature’s grandeur and indifference.
Above, over the ridge One can already hear the storm wind sing But down here with us All is still. (“Felsensang”)
Eiger is a fascinating record, sounding between extreme black metal and soft soundscapes, hard to mix—like water and oil. Creating ethereal melodies, the band delivers, and is one of the best atmospheric black metal acts today. Eiger is an exploration of human existential dread.
Nature holds us in her grasp One gets lost in the wall Without sleep, this watch remains One gets lost in the night. (“Todesbiwak”)
Eiger is a lyrical exploration of historical and philosophical themes, blending with traditional atmospheric black metal. Their signature melodic style creates an atmosphere that feels oppressive. The guitars create a huge wall of sound.
I saw in the wall The yawning abyss Of madness’s blackness In the first dawn. (
“Der Wahnsinn Dort Im Abgrund”)
The production is clean; every instrument has its place, yet the overall mix retains an immersive, overwhelming quality.
All limbs are stiff and cold Beaten by the force of the mountains. (“Zurück Zur Roten Fluh”)
Eiger is the best atmospheric black metal record I’ve listened to this year. With no lows, the record floats through its influences without interfering with its own style. Eiger is the band’s best record, denoting maturity and perseverance.
Found it only icy Rain has frozen on the wall No rope hangs here to guide us. (“Grausig Ist Der Blick”)
A big coincidence alongside Capilla Ardiente and Mountainscape, this is the third 2024 record that I heard about deadly experiences on mountains.
No yodeling remains... It's almost done But the knot hits the end At the end of the strength... (“Alptraum”)
Rating breakdown
Performance: | 9 |
Songwriting: | 9 |
Originality: | 7 |
Production: | 9 |
Written by Blackcrowe | 10.01.2025
Guest review disclaimer:
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
This is a guest review, which means it does not necessarily represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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