Yes, I think I’ve figured it out. What’s that? Well, I’m listening to Gaerea’s Mirage (Season of Mist) and for whatever reason, my brain keeps bringing up modern-day Lorna Shore. How does that make any sense, you ask? The former is clearly a black metal outfit, while the latter traffics in the death metal – deathcore, whatever – side of things. Sure, but as stylistically distinct as they are, boy do both bands enjoy being self-indulgent.

How so? 

Do we need as many long-winded introductions and window dressing in place of ambiance? I vote no, but one of heavy metal’s tropes is that longer runtimes translate to great songwriting. Mirage has many strong points, but I can’t help to feel that most of these songs would benefit from trimming a minute or two of useless acoustics and quiet moments. 

Long story short I’m saying let’s think more Dead Kennedys and less Emperor. Now please excuse me as I go listen to Neurosis’ Enemy of the Sun. 

Album opener ‘Memoir’ feels like it’s purpose in life is to musically yank the wisdom teeth out of your head and drummer Diogo Mota’s playing strictly reflects this feeling, but you’re going to wait for nearly three minutes before we get there. It’s okay, I am a patient man after all, and ‘Deluge’ alone takes care of the price of admission. As its title suggests it heavy downpour of blasts, shrieking guitars and pained vocals. However once again I can’t help but wonder if the beast could run a bit cleaner and even meaner? 

What would Gaerea sound like should they choose to record at God City Studios under the watchful eye of musical sorcerer Kurt Ballou? I’m thinking album of the year material. 

Mirage is quite the savage journey into noisy black metal terrain and again only makes me curious as to what other forbidden worlds Gaerea is willing to travel through.   

Buy the album here: https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/gaerea

7 / 10

HANS LOPEZ