As the year 2011 draws near, there isn’t anything new about post-rock being combined with metal aesthetics (or vice versa) yet Denmark’s AEDRA showcase themselves in a positive—if not solely unique—light by blending the emotionality of post-rock with slower and much meatier doom elements. But isn’t that what various post-metal/sludge bands have been doing throughout the sands of time, anyway?
While Neurosis is probably the first act to spring to mind after marching through this 23-minute EP, it’s clear that AEDRA does indeed deserve their existence. The modus operandi is slightly different compared to sign post acts like Isis and Cult of Luna. Granted, the various inspirations shine through AEDRA’s music but that’s hardly a bad thing when they’re able to mold a sound of their own: No End/Open End moves effortlessly between the various spectrums.
The EP starts out with a 2½-minute intro “In Forests” that casts a somewhat brooding atmosphere, hinting slightly of Anathema’s underrated Pentecost III EP. The 12-minute follow-up continues on a similar path at first, with some hints at some My Dying Bride-styled fetishism, but overall it’s all soon shadowed by a grander, lingering funeral doom vibe. Before the end, it turns into somewhat of a different beast altogether. Thus the mainly instrumental and aptly named closure “We’ve Come Out” isn’t much of a surprise, as it too dwells in slightly different territories, being somewhat of a more traditional post-something with cleaner and longing vocals. Again, at the end, the song hints of totally different acts. Mastodon springs to mind. Dare I say, there’s a slight progressive touch to the whole shebang.
Twenty-three minutes isn’t much but AEDRA doesn’t waste a second of it. Definitely something to lookout for in the near future. No End/Open End introduces an inspiring acquaintance to a highly saturated field. But don’t take my word for it, as the whole EP is available on the band’s official website.
