Aldaaron

Formed in 2004, and with one demo (Des Legendes et Anciens Dieus) to their credit, French outfit Aldaaron are now releasing their debut full-length. Inspired by black metal greats (most noticeably early Dissection), the band have captured the bleak, solitary feel and wind-swept atmosphere black metal is known for. While never straying from the genre, Aldaaron create variety and dynamics through intelligent shifts in mood and tempo. Subtle keyboards accentuate the more melodic and graceful passages, while the sharpness of the guitar and blasts are grim and penetrating. Nous Reviendrons Immortels ("We Will Return Immortal"), while contributing nothing new to the world of black metal, does slide very nicely into the genre, and is an exceptionally strong first album. Despite leaving little to be desired, one would hope that their next release will have more of an identity specific to the band.