The last AETERNUS full length album “A Darker Monument” (which got released via Nocturnal Art Productions) already dates back to 2003, so it obviously took them quite a while to return to the scene… I suppose the label change was part of this delay, but I’m not 100% sure, so you better don’t quote me here. Anyway, from my personal point of view it was definitely worth the long wait, cause “Hexaeon” easily lives up to my already very high expectations in the band. Unlike many of their Norwegian countrymen AETERNUS never were a pure Black Metal horde, even though their roots can obviously be found in this genre. The band’s biggest trademark is for sure the unique vocal performance of mainman Ares, who’s blessed with this impressive deep grim voice, and because of that doesn’t sound like any other vocalist around (no matter if it’s Black or Death Metal). But also musically the band has progressed quite a lot over the years, returning with their most matured album now. The musical variety is simply impressive. From very speedy stuff like ‘In The 3rd Dwells Oblivion’ to more doomier, very heavy stuff like the title track (which, by the way, is build upon a ‘Enter Sandman’ – type bassline), to tunes with almost trible inspired drumming (‘The 9th Revolution’) and atmospheric, almost NILE – like interludes, this album has it all! The atmosphere on “Hexaeon” is pretty destructive and has got an overall apocalyptic feel to it (the guitars come across very brutal, especially in the slower songs) and the very old school (yet totally convincing) productions compliments this perfectly! So, all in all this is an album for everyone outthere who’s interested in bands that try to walk new paths, yet maintaining the old school vibes. Recommended! Label website: www.karismarecords.no