Review by Adam M on January 17, 2017.

This is certainly an interesting release. The black metal cacophony of Aenaon has been further improved by the use of a saxophone. The result is a vibrant and colorful album that makes use of all of its potential for engagement.

The songs are often raspy, but the added instrument makes them more avant-garde sounding for certain. The tunes have the ability to be open-ended whilst maintaining a black metal feel. This album really sounds like nothing else out there and it’s all the better for it. Right from the beginning, things get off to an exciting start with Oneirodynia. This is an eclectic and adventurous song that has just the right amount of catchiness. Other songs are equally adventurous and just as memorable throughout. There really isn’t a moment that goes untouched on the album and it shows through with the glorious music the band is able to obtain. Compared to Extance, there is a lot more going on and it’s more interesting. It’s too bad my final score of the album was done at a time when I’ve been harsher in reviews. This is really a huge improvement over that album. There is a more varied and interesting appeal to the band now with the addition of the saxophone. The sound of the band is more jazzy, which they already had a handle on and now more comparable to the likes of Ihsahn with the added saxophone.

There really is an unlimited palette to the band at this point. Though the album is consistently appealing, there are moments that are better than others and this detracts from the balance in the album slightly. This is really the only flaw I could find with this completely enthralling and adventurous listen. With Hynosophy, Aenaon have crafted one of the best albums of 2016.

Rating: 8 out of 10