Band:	Aesma Daeva
Album:	Here Lies One Whose Name Was Written In Water
Style:	Symphonic metal
Release date:	1999
Guest review by:	Ernis

Part One: A Quiet Chamber Kept For Thee
01. O Death (Rock Me Asleep)
02. Downvain
03. Stay
04. Disdain
Part Two: Here Lies One Whose Name Was Written In Water
05. Introit
06. When I Have Fears That I May Cease To Be
07. Luceat Eis
08. Introit II
09. Communion
10. Sanctus
11. Darkness [bonus]
12. Darkness (Stromkern) [bonus]

All right then. Having a pint of ale at hand, I start writing about a rather special album by a rather original band. It's about the album bearing a long but justified title "Here Lies One Whose Name Was Written In Water" by Aesma Daeva. The band's first release is more or less inspired by the works of the British poet John Keats with the title of the album being the modern English version of the scripture on the tombstone of the lost poet.

John Prassas, the main creative force of the band, has assured that all the charms of the band's style are displayed in the textures of these tracks. Rebecca Cords provides the album with her ethereal voice.

The album itself is divided into three parts. The first one bearing the name "A Quiet Chamber Kept For Thee" surrounds the listener charmingly into its environment that is built up fast around and in the mind of the one who listens. The heart of the "Quiet Chamber" is formed by two main tracks, namely "Downvain" and "Stay". The latter is one of the best songs of the album and of the band's overall creation. Rebecca's tender voice amidst the sombre darkwave music concludes basically all the enjoyable aspects of the first part.

After the beats of the first half the listener is left to the labyrinths of the second part which bears the same title as the album itself. The atmosphere here is strongly similar to Medieval era or Ancient Greece. The listener follows the calling silent female voices which invite to join something that leaves the impression of an ancient Greek ceremony or a mystery play. The highlight of the second part is most probably "When I Have Fears That I May Cease To Be", directly inspired by the poem of John Keats. Rebecca's voice shows all its serenity in this song. The second part is almost entirely acoustic which may lead some people to complain because of "lack" of metal. In fact, music doesn't need to possess the power of modern technology to be metal. Aesma Daeva shows us the true nature and power of the music of the ancient times.

The third part consists of two songs called "Darkness", industrial remixes of the song "Downvain". A leap from the classical style to modern electronic music.

All in all, this album of Aesma Daeva is a fine foundation of their style which they have kept following while creating their later works as well. The album isn't meant for you if you are searching for some high-paced entertainment. Instead, this album is ideal for summer nights when the trees turn dark in the rays of the red sun drowning behind the purple and dark blue clouds. To put it in a nutshell, Aesma Daeva has done a beautiful job here.