ALBUM REVIEW: Aether – The Moon and the Nightspirit

Celebrating 17 years in existence – Hungarian folk duo, THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT unveil their seventh studio album Aether. Known for creating an almost ethereal adaption of neo-folk with strong pagan roots, the spiritual duo seek to create a musical clash of masculine and feminine in yet more imaginative and unique ways. Having already a very successful career yet remaining somewhat underground the band describe the album as a milestone of their musical journey and they could not be more right, here’s why.

Known to convey spiritual ambience with delicate melody and increasingly energetic rhythm, the duo choose the perfect opening with Aether as it gently invites you into the often unpredictable yet entrancing world of THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT. Not only that but it brings with it a more dominating production that already shows a musical evolution into the bands next chapter. Kaputlan Kapukon Át pulses with increasing atmosphere while seething with new elements such as haunting chants akin to the direction of WARDRUNA. Never one to shy away from fresh ideas, its evident that the duo are going through a transformation that emboldens their style instead of changing it. Truly tribal and ancient undertones give Égi Messzeségek an uplifting and enchanting quality that sets it apart with an almost seductive resonance and character.

Where previous albums may at times exhibit a more folksy direction like FAUN does, this one is more refined and seems to adventure inward by incorporating ethereal chanting and enhanced ambience. Like a tree that has spent years growing to the top of the forest canopy, they too have succeeded in putting themselves in a place where they can stand tall alongside the most prominent pagan acts.

A Szárny like its predecessor almost lives and breaths, it is more than just music, it is a representation of something that beats inside our heart and soul. The enticing tones of the hang drum merge seamlessly with archaic frame drums and celestial vocals. Interesting as it is otherworldly Logos is the perfect bridge into the magick of A Mindenség Hivása. Passionate palpitations from precise percussion keep an air of mystery and charm as guitar tremolo is welcomed to enhance everything else. Just as the album is gently introduced so too is it gradually swept away as Asha pushes delicate waves of haunting atmosphere until there is nothing else.

A milestone indeed, Aether does exactly what it had intended – an imaginative journey into raw ambience that displays an evident transformation for the pagan duo. It is truly an exhibition of evolution and a nirvana to the bands musical journey but also the beginning of what could be the most exciting chapter of their story to date. Taking a more tribal direction and showing elements similar to their Scandinavian counterparts HEILUNG and WARDRUNA, the duo are careful to stay true to their own musical identity. This is not to be missed and is a significant maturation of the unique strain of ambient pagan folk created by THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT.

Rating: 8/10

Aether is out now via Prophecy Productions.

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