Neaera: Neaera

It’s often challenging to get new music from a band after a breakup. The music could be bad or, even worse, it could be little more than a distant echo of former greatness. In Neaera’s case, the comeback album is genuinely solid, neither obviously bad or boring. Although the band originally hit their stride in the mid-2000s, it’s fair to say that their sound was always pretty consistent. Yes, their previous release was little tired here and there, it wasn’t all bad. With this album, though, the band simply hits the ground running with a series of powerful tracks that bring a little more darkness and aggressiveness to the mix. Maybe they knew that 2020 was going to be a rough year.

Even though I said this album is consistently strong, there is one exception. Things technically kick off with one of those throat-clearing tracks that does little more than set up the next track. Fortunately, when “Catalyst� comes on, the album ramps up the energy and sticks with it until the end. The best songs take advantage of that energy and give some powerful and pummeling music. Of the tracks here, I especially enjoyed “Resurrection of Wrath,� “Rid the Earth of the Human Virus,� and “Deathless.� The latter was an especially good closer in that it showcased the band’s talents while also promising that there’s more to come. I was also impressed with “Torchbearer� and “Eruption in Reverse.�

Although this album is solid, the music occasionally blends together in ways that suggest a lack of variety. This is unfortunate, especially since a good listen will reveal many hidden depths. However, it’s also true that many of the songs are enough alike that do not stand out enough one from another. Some bands sound consistently great no matter what and Neaera is arguably one of those bands. Still, there’s something to be said for those little moments that make an album really stand out. Even if this album could have used a few more of those little moments, there’s no denying that this is a welcome return from a good band.

Track Listing:
1. (Un)Drowned
2. Catalyst
3. False Shepherds
4. Resurrection of Wrath
5. Carriers
6. Rid the Earth of the Human Virus
7. Sunset of Mankind
8. Lifeless
9. Eruption in Reverse
10. Torchbearer
11. Deathless

Added: April 23rd 2020
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 757
Language: english

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