On October 4, 2024, German atmospheric black metal outfit ÄERA will be revealing their sophomore album titled “Phantast”, set to be released through Vendetta Records. Leading up to the album’s official launch, the band is showcasing the full-length record in its entirety. Get an exclusive first listen to “Phantast” here:
Over a meticulous two-year span, ÄERA‘s dedicated trio – Milan Sikorski, Simon Wiedenhöft, and Sven Strefel – poured their collective creativity into shaping the sonic landscape of their latest opus. Inspired by Christian Morgenstern’s mesmerizing work “In Phantas Schloss”, the band’s upcoming full-length album “Phantast” promises to take listeners on an extraordinary journey across both inner and outer realms, distorts perspectives and thus gives insights into a world outside of society constraints. “Phantast” creates a space full of possibilities and fantasy, but always with reference to reality to show contrasts and grievances.
Fusing influences from classic 90s black metal with contemporary post, ambient, and atmospheric black metal, ÄERA‘s music is characterized by drawn-out compositions that are emotional, dynamic, and energetically charged. The band’s name, rooted in an ancient German dialect where ÄER symbolizes ‘earth’, reflects the essence of their lyrical explorations drawn from the works of literary luminaries such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Christian Morgenstern. ÄERA‘s thematic pursuits encompass humankind’s detachment from nature, existential inquiries, cosmic fascinations, social and religious criticism, and natural romanticism.
Featuring robust yet intricate riffing, expansive melodies, mid-tempo drumming, atmospheric interludes, progressive elements, and rich lyrical narratives, ÄERA distinguishes itself as a force to be reckoned within the realm of black metal.
“Phantast” by ÄERA will be out on October 4 via Vendetta Records.