Album Review: Aara – Eiger

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Die das wilde Wetter fängt
Track 2: Senkrechte Welten
Track 3: Felsensang
Track 4: Todesbiwak
Track 5: Der Wahnsinn dort im Abgrund
Track 6: Zurück zur roten Fluh
Track 7: Grausig ist der Blick
Track 8: Alptraum

🎸 Album Review:
**Album Review: ‘Eiger’ by Aara**

Swiss black metal duo Aara have returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Eiger’, a monumental and atmospheric journey through the treacherous landscapes of the Swiss Alps. Comprised of eight tracks that weave a narrative of nature’s awe-inspiring beauty and merciless danger, ‘Eiger’ is a testament to the band’s evolution and mastery of their craft.

Aara’s sound on ‘Eiger’ is a captivating blend of symphonic black metal, with elements of melodic and atmospheric black metal woven throughout. The album opens with “Die das wilde Wetter fängt”, a track that sets the tone for the entire album with its dynamic shifts between blistering blast beats and haunting melodies. The production on ‘Eiger’ is impeccable, allowing each instrument to shine while creating a dense sonic landscape that envelops the listener in a shroud of darkness and mystery.

Thematically, ‘Eiger’ explores the harsh realities of the natural world, drawing parallels between the unforgiving landscapes of the Swiss Alps and the tumultuous emotions that lie within the human psyche. The album’s title is a reference to the iconic Eiger mountain, known for its perilous north face that has claimed the lives of many climbers. This sense of danger and awe is reflected in the music itself, as Aara take the listener on a journey through towering peaks and deep valleys of sound.

Standout tracks on ‘Eiger’ include “Senkrechte Welten”, a relentless onslaught of tremolo-picked guitars and thunderous drums that evoke the feeling of being lost in a snowstorm on a frozen mountainside. “Felsensang” showcases Aara’s ability to create lush, melodic passages that soar and cascade like a waterfall, only to be interrupted by sudden bursts of aggression and chaos. The haunting beauty of “Der Wahnsinn dort im Abgrund” is another highlight, with its haunting melodies and desperate vocals painting a picture of despair and isolation.

Compared to their debut album, ‘En Ergô Einai’, ‘Eiger’ shows a marked progression in Aara’s songwriting and musicianship. While ‘En Ergô Einai’ was a more straightforward black metal album with hints of symphonic elements, ‘Eiger’ sees the band fully embracing their symphonic side and incorporating more melodic passages and atmospheric textures. The result is an album that is more dynamic and immersive, drawing the listener deeper into Aara’s dark and mysterious world.

The overall impact of ‘Eiger’ is nothing short of breathtaking. From the majestic opening notes of “Die das wilde Wetter fängt” to the haunting conclusion of “Alptraum”, Aara have crafted a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional black metal. The album is an emotional rollercoaster, taking the listener on a journey through peaks and valleys of sound that mirror the stark beauty and danger of the natural world.

In conclusion, ‘Eiger’ is a stunning achievement for Aara, showcasing their growth as musicians and storytellers. With its immersive soundscapes, evocative themes, and masterful execution, ‘Eiger’ is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric black metal and anyone looking to experience the raw power and beauty of nature through music. Aara have truly outdone themselves with ‘Eiger’, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the black metal scene today.