Aitheer - The Serpent (CD)

Aitheer’s debut full-length album, “The Serpent”, represents a bold evolution for the Finnish progressive metal act, building upon the foundations laid by their 2020 release, “Sleeper” EP. Formed in 2017 by Niko Löfman (vocals, guitars), Antton Kasslin (drums) and Roope Kytölä (bass), the band initially started as a cover and jam project before embracing original compositions. The journey that began with the introspective and experimental “Sleeper” has now culminated in a more ambitious and expansive work. “The Serpent” takes the listener on a dynamic musical voyage, blending elements of progressive metal, rock, jazz, classical, and ambient music.

The album showcases a significant shift in Aitheer’s sonic approach, embracing a broader, more theatrical and cinematic sound. Niko Löfman, the band’s primary composer, found himself exploring new avenues, focusing on creating a deeper, more holistic experience. While the “Sleeper” EP was rooted in personal themes and inner struggles, “The Serpent” looks outward, touching on universal concepts and archetypal ideas, evoking a sense of devotion and empowerment throughout its narrative. The music reflects this change, with a darker, heavier atmosphere, yet also moments of softer, melancholic beauty. The distortion on the guitars has been dialed back, allowing for a more organic and earthy sound, where the raw interplay between the instruments can truly shine.

The album was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Harri Petjakko at Studio UG in Kerava, Finland, between August 2020 and January 2024. The production process was meticulously overseen by Niko Löfman, who crafted the complex arrangements and guided the vision for the album. “The Serpent” features a host of talented musicians, including session drummer Toni Paananen, whose dynamic drumming added precision and power to tracks like “The Dance of Twins”, one of the album’s standout pieces. This particular song epitomises the band’s genre-defying approach, merging aggressive black metal passages with acoustic folk rock, hard rock and progressive metal, culminating in an epic section that features saxophone and shredding guitar solos.

The instrumental tracks on the album, such as “Prologue”, “East,” and “Flame” showcase a different side of Aitheer, blending acoustic and ambient elements with classical influences. These pieces offer a contemplative, meditative contrast to the more intense compositions, highlighting the band’s versatility and willingness to explore diverse musical landscapes. “Clairvoyance”, an electric guitar duo, stands out with its ambient textures and cinematic feel, reminiscent of the dystopian soundscapes of Vangelis’ Blade Runner soundtrack.

The album’s title track, “The Serpent,” is the most experimental song on the record, combining groovy, serpentine bass lines with psychedelic and cinematic elements. It marks a transition in Niko’s compositional style, as he began relying less on guitar-centric ideas and more on exploring other instruments, leading to a broader, more textured sound. Notably, this is also the first Aitheer song to feature lyrics in Finnish, adding a unique layer to its hypnotic and dynamic nature.

Throughout the album, Aitheer demonstrates their commitment to pushing musical boundaries, blending genres in a way that feels natural and unforced. The influences range from the technical extremities of bands like Meshuggah and Gorguts to the cinematic and ambient touches inspired by film scores from the ‘70s and ‘80s. There is a clear undercurrent of progressive rock, with nods to the genre-defining work of King Crimson, yet the album never settles into one stylistic mold for long. Instead, it flows unpredictably, embodying a spirit of artistic freedom and experimentation.

In terms of live performances, Aitheer’s current lineup includes Niko Löfman (vocals, guitar), Andrea Ferrantelli (bass), Tuomo Ijäs (session drums), and returning studio member Lassi Enqvist (keyboards, guitars). This flexible and evolving ensemble brings a fresh, dynamic energy to the stage, interpreting the songs with a unique flair that evolves with each performance. The band’s approach to live shows reflects their overall philosophy of embracing change and allowing the music to breathe and grow organically, making each concert a distinctive experience.

“The Serpent” is more than just an album; it’s a statement of intent for Aitheer. It’s an ambitious, genre-defying work that refuses to be easily classified, blending intensity with subtlety and raw power with delicate emotion. The record offers listeners a 32-minute journey through uncharted musical and emotional landscapes, creating a sense of unpredictability and freedom that is rare in today’s metal scene. It’s a challenging listen, but for those willing to embrace its unconventional nature, “The Serpent” promises a deeply rewarding experience.

Aitheer’s debut full-length is a testament to their growth as a band, showcasing a newfound confidence and a willingness to take risks. It’s a natural progression from their earlier work, yet it marks a bold step into new territory, pushing the boundaries of what progressive metal can be. Fans of avant-garde metal and experimental rock will find much to admire here, as Aitheer continues to carve out their own unique path, unafraid to explore the extremes of sound and emotion.

MARKETING & PROMOTION / SELLING POINTS

First full-lenght album by progressive / avant-garde band Aitheer
For fans of Meshuggah, King Crimson, Opeth, Gorguts, Cynic