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Since 1999 Aesma Daeva has been unleashing upon the public well crafted operatic metal recordings. Over the years the band has refined their song writing and their musical performances. With Dawn of the New Athens Aesma Daeva seems to at least be a fully realized musical idea.

John Prassas (composition/guitar) and his band which includes guitarist Earl Root (ex-GOD-AWFUL, ex-DISTURBED… the OLD Minneapolis thrash outfit, not that garbage from Chicago) seem to have fully come together around this concept of dark gothic metal with an interest in Greek mythology. However, what is truly most notable, especially for those familiar with Aesma Daeva’s prior output, is vocalist Lori Lewis (who has toured with THERION). Her performance is nothing short of top level for this genre. She brings an amazing force and beauty to each track she sings. While prior vocalists Sarah Williamson and Melissa Ferlaak (VISIONS OF ATLANTIS) performed admirably, the true mastery of the voice possessed by Ms. Lewis puts this record at the top of the Aesma Daeva heap.

This recording shows Aesma Daeva at its most mature from a songwriting level. While earlier outputs such Here Lies One Whose Name was Written in Water showed great potential they lacked the ability to write focused songs. Here Aesma Daeva does not meander too much, although enough technical indulgence is surely present to please your more technical fans.

Aesma Daeva has crafted an album that from track one (Tiza’s Child) to the end (The Loon) provides the listener with focused songs which all pack a direct punch (well as direct as you can get in the realm of symphonic operatic metal). Buy it or die.

A -Brant Johnson

Gaspetc.com