Review by Kostas on July 28, 2023.

After the mighty Theogonia, Rotting Christ made it clear that they would follow a melodic yet extreme metal path. However, what followed with Aealo was a brutal outbreak. To be accurate, this is a good album, which however serves no particular role but brutalize the listener. And it manages so through its powerful and aggressive rifts and song structures.

It is these same dynamic characteristics which are present from the very first second of this album, with the title track instantly throwing you in a warzone of different musical elements. The guitars and rifts are of course better than ever, although a bit repetitive. There are the classoc Rotting Christ riffs, with the solos playing the most important role in Aealo, since like always, they are catchty and clever. Drumming keeps the power flowing, but there is little interest and inspiration in it. Even if Themis has become a good drummer after so many releases and live shows. What definitely steals the show here is the folk character of the record. The traditional music influences are definitely more straightforward than in Theogonia and make Aealo different and special.

However, these interesting incorporated elements are not enough to save this album from its downsides. Lack of depth and atmosphere are the main problem this time. Which is a pity, considering the haunting auras of Khronos and Sanctus Diavolos. Besides 'Δαιμόνων Βρώσις', the absolute highlight of Aealo, the rest of the tracks are nothing more than a collection of similar fighting warsongs. This doesn't mean they are not well-written. It does however mean that there was lack of inspiration and variety. And unfortunately, this makes it tiring or even impossible (depending on your mood) to listen to the whole album at once.

Aealo is of course no bad album. The power it emits is in fact awe-inspiring at times. There are also interesting experimentations in this record, one of them being a collaboration with Diamanda Gallas. Sadly, on the other hand, most songs sound similar and only serve as hits for a diehard mosh pit or something. But, considering the band's abilities, let's just see Aealo as a minor disappointment and the album that lead to the incredible Κατά Τον Δαίμονα Εαυτού.

Rating: 7 out of 10