Back in 2022, Portuguese Extreme Metal recluses Gaerea released Mirage (Season of Mist), my album of the year. It was the first time I had been exposed to the shrouded-in-mystery outfit, but it was nearly impossible to choose any other record to headline that year.

Fast forward to 2024, and by God, Gaerea may have just done it again.

Coma (Season Of Mist) provides ten songs with ten distinct ecosystems. It’s just over fifty minutes of what has made the band such an enticing outfit: unmatched atmosphere and Midas-Touch musical arrangements. 

Before long, it truly sounds like Gaerea is simply a four-headed monster because the synergy is nothing short of ironclad. There is variety in sounds and techniques; the band doesn’t shy away from delicate, lulling moments while embracing the frenetic, unchained calamity that has rightfully garnered so much attention. 

The first few minutes of both “The Poet’s Ballet” and “Shapeshifter” present somber feelings and dirgy pacing. But even in those same songs, there are declarative screams, stellar energy that elicits a primal response, and impassioned, emotive wails. 

Moreover, the title track seems to have a hint of Industrial influence in its guitar work, and the desolation-instrumentation combination is magnificent. And that’s a word that could be used to describe basically every facet of Coma.

The avalanche of drums that are prevalent throughout can immediately invigorate a koala bear after a 20-hour slumber. The kit is downright trembling at times, and the crescendos that are sprinkled here and there (especially on “Suspended”) is as much a breath of fresh air for the musicians involved as it is for the captivated listeners. 

I had a fairly good idea of what to expect with Gaerea going into this full-length. At the same time, I had the highest confidence in the world that if they took a huge detour and went down an unpaved side street, it would still leave me awestruck. They are just that forward-thinking and clinical. 

Much like the highly anticipated sequel to a major box office hit, Coma came with all the preconceived notions and baggage, and yet it still manages to completely blow the fucking roof off. 

It’s an entrancing delight that immediately positions itself to bring home a second album-of-the-year title for the ultra-talented collective. 

Buy the album here:
https://orcd.co/gaereacoma

10 / 10
MATT COOK