Aere Aeternus - _Humanity Needs No Funeral_
(Kaosthetik Konspiration, 2008)
by: Quentin Kalis (7.5 out of 10)
Aere Aeternus is an ambient project that straddles the abyss between black metal and the Satanic industrial of Mz.412, too claustrophobic and menacing to be dark ambient, while the complete absence of guitars precludes its placement in the black pantheon.

That's what it isn't, but what it is, is a meeting between black ambient (also known by the clumsy portmanteau "blambient", which thankfully hasn't caught on) Cold Meat Industry bands such as Atrium Carceri with the murkier Légions Noires material, as well as Moevoet. And yes, Aere Aeternus is a French entity, with four members -- highly unusual for a band on an electronic mission.

The dominant atmosphere combines a sense of impending insanity with sexual deviancy and a large dollop of occultism, creating a dark and troubling misanthropic sojourn that is relatively unique. The final track is probably the most musical, as it is centred on a guitar arpeggio, but no such concessions to convention are present elsewhere on this deeply troubling disk. The accompanying video of "Invocation" shows a Satanic ritual in all its kitchsy glory. Recommended for those looking for something a bit darker than the usual Cold Meat entities.

Contact: http://www.aereaeternus.com

(article published 5/10/2008)


