Review by Adam M on February 7, 2018.

The music Panopticon bring to the table is infinitely interesting and varied.  There is a certain folk influence present that is very vibrant and shows a great deal of color. The music is black metal that has a very interesting aspect to it from the folk genre. The combination makes for a one of a kind experience that is hard to deny and very compelling in nature. There is still the lingering feeling that what is being performed here Is largely the same as the last album Roads to the North and this lessens the impact slightly.

The music is still adventurous and you must find the smallest nuances to appreciate it to the fullest. Though sometimes harsh in nature like a lot of black metal, the music is epic enough to defy those boundaries and become something altogether more appealing. The last couple of albums have been groundbreaking enough, but the human touch is always there as well. This leads to music that has a heart and soul and showcases itself to the maximum potential. There is a very emotional aspect to the disc that makes it sweeping and grand. This is still very similar to the last album and those that played that one nonstop might be a little disappointed by the lack of changes since then. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in pure atmospheric bliss, however, and this album might have even further refined what made Roads to the North so great.

The passionate approach to song-writing is certainly felt and makes for a heartfelt experience through and through. Though it’s a little too similar to the previous album at times, the atmosphere present makes up for this flaw and makes Autumn Eternal all the more interesting. This comes recommended to fans of the band and those that love a good atmosphere in their music.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10