UMUR
"Path of Fire" is the third full-length studio album by Swedish death metal act Aeon. The album was released through Metal Blade Records in May 2010. It´s the successor to "Rise to Dominate" from 2007 and features one lineup change since the predecessor as bassist Max Carlberg has been replaced by Marcus Edvardsson. Carlberg´s tenure with Aeon was relatively brief as he only played on "Rise to Dominate". While "Path of Fire" was recorded in September 2009 at Empire Studio in Östersund, Sweden, Erik Rutan handled the mixing of the album at his Mana Recording Studios in St, Petersburg, Florida.
...and the sound and style of music featured on "Path of Fire" are also undeniably linked to the Florida death metal scene. Aeon were from the beginning always greatly influenced by artists like Deicide, Morbid Angel, and occasionally Cannibal Corpse, and that trend is continued on "Path of Fire". The Deicide influence is particularly strong here, almost to the point of the music reaching worship territory. Thankfully Aeon are skilled musicians, fully able to deliver a powerful US influenced death metal attack with more than usual conviction. The vocals vary between growling and higher pitched screams. Sometimes doubled, which isn´t far away from how Glen Benton (Deicide) performs vocals. The only feature which isn´t all that great is the lyrics, which are quite primitive/juvenile anti-christian/blasphemous themed. Not that anti-christian/blasphemous themed lyrics are an issue in themselves. Such lyrics can be both powerful and have a strong effectful message, but in this case they are just a bit cringe worthy and juvenile.
"Path of Fire" features a powerful, brutal, and intense sounding production job, which suits the material perfectly, so upon conclusion it´s a good quality US influenced death metal release from Aeon. There are few surprises here compared to the previous releases by the band, but there´s still enough positive musical development for this one to be a stronger album than its predecessors (despite the rather awful lyrics). A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.
