Belgian four-piece Hemelbestormer are likely to make waves with their debut album ‘Aether’. They have already been snapped up by Debemur Morti, following a split release with Vanessa Van Basten and cassette of EP ‘Portals’. While bearing likenesses to both Omega Massif and Year of No Light, the post metal newcomers are set to win the hearts of Isis fans the world over.
Purely instrumental, ‘Aether’ conjures images of grey clouds, foggy mountain tops and thunderstorms. It’s a rolling soundscape of monolithic riffs and layer upon layer of cloying atmosphere. Sparse moments of tranquillity provide respite from the tension before it swiftly soldiers on with ferocious determination. The intricate song writing at play here makes for an impenetrable wall of sound with a crushing vortex of technical guitar playing and well-timed percussion.
It’s worth noting that Hemelbestormer aren’t total newcomers to the world of metal; their members hail from a diverse array of other bands, including Death Penalty, Serpentcult and Gorath, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about what makes a good tune. You can listen with confidence, knowing your ears are in the safe hands of both talented and experienced musicians.
Belgium is a veritable melting pot of talent, with the likes of Amenra, The Black Heart Rebellion and Sardonis all hailing from this infamous beer country. Now it looks like Hemelbestormer are set to join their ranks – sludge, post metal and doom fans, pay attention; you’ll want to keep an eye (and an ear) on these guys.
(8/10 Angela Davey)
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