2023 Retro - AARA

"It is better to hear the thunder than to watch the cloud." (Charles Maturin, "Melmoth The Wanderer")

In the latest addition to our retrospective series, we delve into the final chapter of AARA's "Melmoth" trilogy: "Triade III: Nyx". Released on the 31st March, this album masterfully concludes the musical adaptation of Charles Robert Maturin's celebrated Gothic novel. For previous works in this series, discover ANARKHON & BACCHUS.

"AARA play some of the best atmospheric and emotive black metal out there and this is killer." (Teeth Of The Divine)

The Swiss duo Berg & Fluss first embarked on this musical journey based upon "Melmoth The Wanderer" with 2021's melodious and grandiose "Triade I: Eos" – a record brimming with nostalgia, triumph and transformation. The saga's intensity heightened on 2022's "Triade II: Hemera", which showcased the sharper and more progressive elements of AARA's signature sound. The trilogy culminated this year with "Triade III: Nyx", an embodiment of elegance and strength, skillfully refining and intensifying the band's dynamic style.

Lyricist and vocalist Fluss shared insights into the trilogy's conceptual essence during an interview with Aristocrazia Webzine:

"Originally, we came across the novel rather by chance. But we were interested in the fact that this novel is a very early work of the "Schauerroman" genre, that had a significant influence on horror literature and art. Maturin's gothic novel "Melmoth The Wanderer" is full of dark atmosphere and strong images, which are wonderfully suited to capture them in literary and musical form. In "Melmoth" many big themes like death, betrayal, faith, and love were united. Furthermore, Maturin criticizes Catholicism and various religions, as well as the unbeliever in the person of Melmoth, who has made a pact with the Devil. And these dark themes surely fit very well for music within the black metal scene, whereby we did not want to glorify Maturin’s opinion or make a political statement. For us it was particularly exciting to deal with the book as a contemporary witness of the 19th century zeitgeist."

Listen to "Triade III: Nyx" directly here or via our YouTube channel:

Also, the artists are currently residing in the shadows to craft new Art. But you may already stay alert for a new AARA album coming in 2024 – more info will be revealed in due time!

"Triade III: Nyx" - and the first two installments of the trilogy - can be ordered in various formats via our EU, US and Bandcamp shops.

Listen to the first two parts directly here: