Review by George Stiglic on November 10, 2024.

In the over-saturated world of metal music, true gems often get lost among countless mediocre and downright poor albums. One such hidden treasure is Arete by Netherbird, which also serves as the band’s final release.

This album is truly impressive, demonstrating not only the musicians' high level of professionalism but also a refined sense of compositional artistry. Each track feels fresh and original; there’s a clear dedication to creativity, with no reused or repetitive riffs. Every detail, from the arrangement to the smallest melodic twist, is meticulously crafted to create a unique and immersive experience, highlighting the band’s commitment to quality. This level of artistry is what makes the album stand out and resonate so deeply with listeners.

The lead guitarist’s performance is simply outstanding. The music embodies melodic blackened death metal in the style of the Swedish school, perfect for fans of Necrophobic, Dissection, Lord Belial, Unanimated, Sacramentum, and similar acts. The vocals are reminiscent of Tobias Sidegard, which is an additional highlight. As I mentioned, the musical quality is exceptionally high, and it’s a mystery to me why this album went unnoticed.

I was really impressed by the way this album incorporates the natural and harmonic minor scales, along with melodic dissonances that capture that signature Swedish feel. There’s also a strong heavy metal vibe running through it, with harmonized twin guitar sections that bring Iron Maiden to mind. These layers give the music an awesome blend of classic metal and Scandinavian atmosphere, making it a standout listen for fans of both styles.

On Arete, you’ll find both dark, otherworldly acoustic segments and rapid-fire moments filled with brutal riffs. Each song has its own identity, with the final track, 'Atrium Of The Storm', standing out as my favorite. This mid-tempo piece boasts captivating melodies, memorable solos, and a melodic acoustic conclusion. It struck me much the same way 'Thorns Of Crimson Death' by Dissection did years ago. I’d recommend any fan of that classic Swedish sound to give this album a chance—you won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 9 out of 10