‘Bellum II’ by Aquilus
‘Bellum II’ by Aquilus
Aquilus is an atmospheric metal band from Melbourne, Australia, created by musician Horace Rosenqvist. The project aims to incorporate various styles of atmospheric music, including classical and folk. Aquilus’ latest release, Bellum II, continues to build upon the artist’s previous discography - including Bellum I and Griseus - with epic, lengthy songs reflecting nature's beauty and complexity with ambitious and experimental song compositions.
“By Tallow North” has a moody organ and synth that opens the album, yet it builds an atmosphere of hope and light amid progressions that evoke sorrowful tones. It feels like a funeral of sorts. Then, Aqulius utilizes mellow distortion tones with dramatic, orchestral drumming and strings, flawlessly transitioning to “Into the Earth.” The second song takes Bellum IIinto more symphonic and dramatic territory with dissonant breakdowns mingled with emotional, progressive solos. An impressive, atmospheric piano solo concludes the album’s first movement.
“A Solitary Demise” and “Nigh to Her Gloam” take the listener on an emotional journey. The somber sonata of classical piano and violin in "A Solitary Demise" sets a reflective tone, while “Nigh to Her Gloam” is an epic, 16+-minute track that further delves into the album’s emotional depth.
“Night to Her Gloam” and “My Frost-Laden Vale” showcase how dynamic and talented Aqulius is as a black metal artist and classical musician. Between returns to acoustic flaying mixed with violin and operative backing vocals, these songs erupt into atmospheric segments of musical virtuosity. At times, Aquilus isn’t afraid to let a borderline arena rock guitar solo play out over the rumbling blast beats and noisy riffs. Aquilus makes it clear in these tracks that they understand how to balance chaos and peace. These songs are serene, yet there’s also something crushing about them. Aquilus performs each track perfectly, juxtaposed between shrieks and distortion and gentle piano and melodic acoustic guitars. How do you experience something so driven and percussive but also peeled back and quiet? Listen to either of these tracks, and you’ll know.
However, the ambition put into Bellum II doesn’t stop with these lengthy orchestral arrangements. Even instrumental songs like “Sombre Loom” include fascinating compositions with unique syncopation between its tremolo-guitar and subdued percussion. There’s something almost bossa nova inspired about the music, which shows the absolute creativity poured into this album. The closing songs “Amidst Soughing Tristesse” and “The Pillared Dark” return to Bellum II’s opening mournful, funeral-like atmosphere. Aquilus desires to hit multiple emotional notes with this album, and each song's sheer dynamic and ambitious arrangement easily evokes this. The album's length, just under 59 minutes, is a testament to the depth and complexity of the music. It’s uncertain if this is necessarily a downside to Bellum II as much as it is a requirement that you need the time and space to engage with it fully.
Bellum II establishes Aquilus as one of the best in the atmospheric black metal project currently working, and Rosenqvist has proven the impressive nature of his compositional skills.
You can follow Aquilus on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.
