ALBUM REVIEW: Smoke & Shadows – Ethereal Darkness

ETHEREAL DARKNESS are a one man project founded by the mysterious Lars, a truly devout follower of metal. After failing to pursue his passion for music with others as part of a band – something many can relate to – he moved to create his own solo project which he describes as “melodic doom/death metal with an atmospheric touch”. Smoke & Shadows will be the debut release from ETHEREAL DARKNESS set to be unleashed on 20th February. 

Rivers introduces us to this unknown yet enthusiastic band smoothly, nothing spectacular but it flows gracefully into The Dreaming Soul which touches the surface of atmospheric solace whilst incorporating some tasty tremolo-sprinkled riff work. Forgotten Shadows is a well composed and consistent track inspired by the musical mastery of BE’LAKOR and INSOMNIUM – melodic and memorable it does well to introduce ETHEREAL DARKNESS to the genre while retaining an uplifting energy that doesn’t fade easily. The strong current of The Light That Fades pulls you inside the mind of Lars and successfully floods you with the lyrical concepts of this debut release – that of the flowing river and the metaphor that all lives are rivers flowing furiously towards the sea.

ETHEREAL DARKNESS manage this well for something that can often be a struggle for bands to accomplish. Apocalypse In Your Mind splashes you with indelible sophistication while Shrouded In Mourn showcases a beautifully black ballad that although starting off turgid, soon becomes a commendable piece of music – Lars is certainly a guitarist/composer foremost with all other skills loosely following behind. Time continues where Shrouded In Mourn left off and really augments this album as a whole – roaring power guitars, unstoppable blasting drums and a deeper exploration into atmospheric composition – the recipe for a quality doom-laden metal track.

ETHEREAL DARKNESS leave us with the ten minute long FLOW INTO THE SEA, musically and lyrically conveying the end of life and the end of what was. Fortunately this musical display doesn’t show signs of ending any time soon and in fact presents real prospects for what is still a very young band. Innovative, fresh and more powerful than the most rampaging rapids its a solid concept that showcases ETHEREAL DARKNESS‘ potential to rule the waves.

ETHEREAL DARKNESS have created something invigorating and emotive, melodic yet furious and tranquil but engaging. Encapsulating the lyrical ideology in a unique fashion and producing fresh, quality songs; the future of this band looks promising. That being said, its clear that Lars is a talented songwriter and guitarist but the drums, vocals and anything else are missing that secret ingredient that would take this band to the next level. Regardless, Smoke & Shadows is an impressive release from a very new band and something that can appeal to a wide range of metalheads though particularly those who enjoy stretched out atmospheric metal.

Rating: 7/10

Smoke & Shadows is out now via self release.

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