Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

The moment the listener hits the play button, they are welcomed by the majestic symphonic introduction of the opening piece, Invocation. This sets the stage for the second track, Blood of My Blood, and the subsequent six pieces, which invite the audience on a journey through legendary themes and epic narratives. This story unfolds with a blend of grand symphonic elements, enriched by the intensity of melodic death metal, the vigour of power metal, and the raw energy of black metal.

The concept for Born From Ice is deeply personal, inspired by guitarist and founder Jaume Antuñano’s journey through IVF and the birth of his child. The lyrics weave real-life events into a fantasy tale, and even include a scream from Antuñano‘s baby in one of the tracks. The album marks a transition for Eonian, as it is the last album created under the band’s name as a solo project. During the recording process, Eonian evolved into a full-fledged band, and they are already working on new material [Eonian].

Born from Ice is a monumental release, akin to an iceberg, featuring eight intense and rapid-fire tracks. The compositions are unleashed with a ferocity reminiscent of a wild hound on the loose. This album embodies a blend of influences from bands like Fleshgod Apocalypse, Epica, Amon Amarth, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, and Septicflesh. Yet, this is merely the surface; “Born from Ice” also boasts collaborations with prominent artists such as Rosalía Sairem (Therion), Oliver Palotai (Kamelot), Timo Tolkki (ex-Stratovarius), Grant Truesdell (Unleash the Archers), and Christopher Amott (ex-Arch Enemy).

The musical composition and arrangement of Eonian’s Born from Ice are expertly crafted and presented by a fruit of art devilmanship, creating an epic ambiance from the listener’s soul. Their distinctive sound, which combines technical skill with deep emotional resonance, is characterized by a wide rage of instrumental and compositional work, which is highlighted in this composition. This essence is well captured by the production, which was recorded in sessions all around the world, making sure that every note is flawlessly polished.

Jaume Antuñano and Nathan Cook twin guitar performances are essential to Eonian‘s sound. Their sound combines powerful riffs, complex melodies, and thrilling solos. The guitars frequently act as the foundation of the band’s arrangements, fuelling the energy and engaging in a vibrant dialogue with the orchestral components. Ricardo Figueroa takes charge of the keyboards and orchestrations, crafting rich, cinematic soundscapes that enhance the band’s overall sound. The symphonic aspects are carefully designed, infusing their compositions with depth and a sense of majesty.

In addition, the orchestration typically features strings, brass, and choral components, which together create a grand ambiance in their music.

Deep growls, blackened shrikes and melodic singing are combined in Jon Sachse‘s vocal technique to perfectly convey the aggressiveness and beauty that define Eonian‘s sound. His delivery powerfully brings the band’s words to life and gives Eonian’s stories an emotional depth. Despite the absence of a female vocalist in Eonian‘s primary line up, Rosalía Sairem, a guest artist, contributes her voice to the music. Her powerful and strong singing style blends in perfectly with Eonian‘s complex arrangements. This partnership underscores the band’s dedication to crafting a rich and varied musical journey.

Eonian‘s music gains depth from Carlos Muñoz‘s bass lines. His bass work is not only foundational but also expressive, often interlacing intricate patterns that elevate the overall depth of the compositions. The band’s current drummer remains unspecified, although their drumming style is marked by a powerful blend of explosive blast beats, complex fills, and various rhythms. This drumming enhances the fierce energy of the guitars and the majestic orchestral elements, creating a robust backbone for the band’s overall sound. 

Born from Ice is a fruit of art. If you have a passion for fast-paced, epic, and powerful music that showcases a tight devilmanship and delivers an experience perfect for headbanging, then Born from Ice is definitely for you.