Monday, February 9, 2026

Black Metal History Month - In Aeternum : "Of Death and Fire"

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Sweden's In Aeternum have been around since the 90s, so every five years they seem to release a full-length, as this is only their 5th full length. The album opens with more of a black metal feel, as they do not tap into the more aggressive side of their death metal influence until the second song.  What I like about this album so far is that it is not just in your face but also cares about songwriting with hooky riffs and vocals that serve a purpose. The more deliberate approach to "Spirits of the Dead." Makes this point apparent. It is driven by a powerful chug. 

When they step on the gas and thrash more for "Mortuary Cult' the results do not grab me in the same way. It still works, but just not to the same effect, even though they do balance it a bit with creepy atmosphere peppered over it in places. When a song is called 'the Vile God Of Slime," I am not surprised it has a Morbid Angel influence. "Bow to None' is more powered by death metal, and when they lean into this, they begin to lose some of their personality and become another faceless death metal band. 

By the time we get to "Goddess of Abominations' it is clear what helps these guys stand apart from other Swedish bands doing this sort of thing: they are more influenced by Morbid Angel than Entombed or At the Gates. "The Hourglass" does have a more wrathful black metal energy. But when they burn brighter is on the last song as the guitars offer more melody. It is the first song I have detected any Dissection influence. So much so that Erik from Watain lends his voice to the song.One of the album's most melodic moments, but still carries a punch.I will give it a 9.


...of Death and Fire by In Aeternum pst54

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