‘The Blossoming’ by Ætheria Conscientia

‘The Blossoming’ by Ætheria Conscientia

I’ve found myself routinely drawn to the booming French black metal scene as we make it through the halfway point of the year. During my search, I encountered one of the truly most unique black metal albums I’ve listened to in a while. h

The band claims this as their new opus, with renewal for the group at all levels. For one, they are supported by a new line-up and collaboration with Cyrille Gachet on production, who has produced some of my other French favorites, like Fange. This new album aims to be more concise, more effective, less demonstrative and more frontal while leaving room for new ideas, psychedelic influences and new sounds (clean vocals, synths, etc.). On Ætheria Conscientia’s Bandcamp, they claim that The Blossoming pushes the group towards a more affirmed direction with a “44-minute acid trip infused with science fiction, black metal and progressive rock.”

Right away, it should be known that The Blossoming is worth a listen for anyone interested in a more unique, experimental black metal album. The album has wonderful production value, interesting composition, and sonic experimentation. The 9+ minute opener, “The Astral Choir,” showcases the band’s stellar musicianship. Not only does the psychedelic rock influence take hold of the song with mesmerizing guitar solos and big breakdowns, but there is an impressively woven saxophone throughout it. Unlike Rivers of Nihil or White Ward (two other incredible progressive black metal artists), the saxophone and horn work here doesn’t take as much of center stage as it blends into one seamless sound.

“Haesperadh” and “Wrath of the Virikoï” continue to build upon Ætheria Conscientia’s psychedelic influences while showcasing the band’s ability to craft truly brutal, death metal-inspired riffs. Gachet’s influence also becomes clear during the ladder track, given its almost sludge metal influence, which makes the transitions into the trippy “Daimu Kadasdra Ko Antall” and “Endless Cycle” with their throat singing and post-rock, twirling guitar work all the more striking. 

The album’s closing title track displays the verbose musicianship of the entire album in an epic, almost nine-minute-long track. The saxophone, blast beats, strange syncopation, harsh vocals, impressive synth work, and symphonic composition are on full blast here, which gives the album a sense of being tight and focused despite its 44-minute run time. 

The Blossoming is an impressive feat in composition and musical exploration. Ætheria Conscientia captures their sci-fi themes and world in a fascinating manner without relying on the same sounds and conventions used by cosmic black metal bands like Labyrinthus Stellarum (another one of our 2024 favorites). Given the band’s emphasis on this being a new, focused direction for them moving forward, it will be exciting to see what else they can put out in the future. 

You can follow Ætheria Conscientia on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.