New band AEON GODS are ready to unleash their epic debut album King Of Gods onto the unsuspecting world of mortals. Offering up power metal and more than a hint of symphonic metal King Of Gods tells epic tales of battle amongst the gods, and of course, with humanity.
Although AEON GODS are a new band, most of the members have a solid track record from previous bands. Both guitarists Nino Helfrich and Robert Altenbach were recent members of the now inactive German heavy metal band Iron Angel, while Alex Hunzinger (vocals) and Anja Hunzinger (keys) are from the modern symphonic band Aeternitas that was active for just over 20 years.
I really did enjoy listening to and reviewing this album, and I would recommend you do take the opportunity to check them out as King Of Gods confirms AEON GODS to be powerfully epic storytellers from the first track to the very last.
The ten track album King Of Gods open with the high-powered Sun-God, where we learn of the battles of the ancient god Marduk who was one of the greatest deities in ancient Babylon. With its symphonic chorus and heavy riffs, this track also works to set the lyrical scene as well as some of the players of the battles to come. The symphonic organ and drum opener of the second track, King Of Gods quickly shifts gear to full on power metal, taking you on the next instalment of Marduk’s saga which is well told with Hunzinger’s crystal clear vocals. Already released, you can watch the official video for the track here:
The third track, Aeon Gods starts with vocal harmonies before shifting into a slower track well underpinned by the guitars. Once more, symphonic and melodic choruses quickly absorb you into the track. It then feels like a musical shift when Babylon Burning starts as this takes a step away from power metal and into more of a “mainstream” heavy metal track. This doesn’t detract from its place on the album though, rather it demonstrates the capabilities of the band to not be pigeonholed into a genre.
The middle of the album is taken over by a saga within the saga in the form of The Flood, which focuses more upon men than the gods. The first instalment, Enlil’s Command (The Flood pt. I) follows on from Babylon Burning in terms of musical style and pared back riffs. The slower end to this track is important as it leads perfectly into Nintu’s Lament (The Flood pt. II). Opening with the keyboards, this is a melancholic yet also beautifully melodic track. Enki’s Grace (The Flood pt. III) opens with the drumline which is then developed with the guitars and vocals. I must say that this track really does remind me of another musical saga – the Rime of the Ancient Mariner and in the context of this; I do think that AEON GODS made the right choice to keep The Flood as a three-track tale because there is so much story being told.
Moving into a couple of my favourites on the album, The Descent and its symphonic opener soon transforms back to full-on power combined with a memorable bridge which is followed up by the Monsters Of Tiamat and its rabble-rousing chorus. The last track, the heroic Tablet Of Destinies seems to take us full circle and back to full on power with the rich overtones of symphonic metal. King Of Gods is definitely an epic journey, and I do think AEON GODS are ones to keep an eye on. I suspect it will also be interesting to see what gods and mythological battles they will turn their talents to portraying next.
“…King Of Gods confirms AEON GODS to be powerfully epic storytellers from the first track to the very last.”
AEON GODS line-up
- Alex ‘Sol’Ra-tu’ Hunzinger (vocals)
- Anja ‘Su’en -Chel’ Hunzinger (keyboards)
- Nino ‘En-Atum’ Helfrich (guitars)
- Robert ‘Abzu’Kean’ Altenbach (guitars)
- Elias ‘Iš’Taru’ Knorr (drums)
King Of Gods by AEON GODS is released on Friday 22nd November 2024 and can be found on the usual streaming platforms or you can pre-order here.
To find out more about AEON GODS, check out their Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
Special thanks to Scarlet Records.
