Yeah, from a symphonic point of view the presence of the metal can be a disappointment, but from a black metal point of view this is as good as it gets. Probably one of the best black metal albums of all time tbh
Yay, finally Aquilus on the channel! Just mentioned them last week on the one man band theme. Yeah, this is just one guy. Amazing album all throughout, one of my all-time favorites :D But yeah, kinda expected your reaction to the black metal part. Still, great analysis as always. Too bad that it's not an album reaction. May be you can react to the his only other album, Bellum I, which is pretty recent, came in 2021. It's also great but I like it a bit less.
Before watching the entire video-Aquilus is such a special band! Definitely albums that would be worth doing full album reacts on, but that ship has of course sailed with this album.
From the brief acoustic intro through the early parts of the first metal riff this really sounded like a black metal version of Opeth's The Drapery Falls. While it maintains something of Opeth's dark, haunted beauty VS aggressive brutality dichotomy it ends up going places with both elements that Opeth doesn't, especially in the more traditional symphonic/orchestral elements that sound straight out of some modern epic movie soundtrack. I'm usually not the biggest fan of the latter elements except as a spice, but I do think they're quite well done here for what they are. Very interesting track and makes me interested to hear more from the band.
So glad this track made it in this week and that it seemed to resonate with you, or at least had plenty for you to dig into! I discovered Aquilus when someone on the Discord recommended them, and was so blown away by this opening track in particular, that I bought both of Aquilus' albums. Aquilus's music just takes me on such gorgeous emotional journeys. And yes, I'm someone who thinks the metal bits are an integral part of what makes this so great 😄 For influences, I found an interview that says some of his classical influences are composers like Chopin and Rachmaninoff. But to me, in this track at least, it seems more reminiscent of videogame OSTs and film scores.
Yup, I get a lot of film score vibes here. I might have to dig into some of their other works and see what's up though. I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
The thing that stands out to me with this band is the piano. The guy is phenomenal. If you want to listen to some tracks for non-reactions that highlight the piano I suggest Loss, The Fawn, or Moon Isabelline. I think Loss does a better job of melding the symphonic and metal aspects, both thematically and sonically. I find it hard to call the band black metal - in truth this album is probably less than 50% metal. The latest album is a bit more metal in fairness, though I think Griseus is considerably the better album.
Just finished. Really enjoyed the emotions you shared from the piece. To me, this is what standout with Aquilus. Lots of black metal but they explore many other emotions using the orchestra. There was a point where you said it could collapse at any second…I find that knowing there are black metal elements means that it could revolve into madness/anger/hatred/hell at any moment. I also find the use of black metal and it’s elements aren’t always used for the typical BM emotions which is really cool to me. If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy the albums Of Erthe and Axen pts 1 and 2 by Xanthrochroid.
I would love to hear you react to more this album. I know you weren't a huge fan of the metal parts but the back and forth is what I really love about this artist. The second track, Loss, is my absolute favorite
Aquilus is fantastic. Also, I couldn't help but notice when the song ended that youtube recommended you the album Echoes Of Battle by Caladan Brood. You NEED to react to a song from that album, I'd suggest Wild Autumn Wind, To Walk The Ashes Of Dead Empires or Book Of The Fallen.
I cannot believe you're reacting to Aquilus! It's such a celebration! Thanks! And yes, I agree with you. Metal parts sound weaker than other ones. But I love concept when metal meets with soundtrack landscape. I've never listened to something similar to this. And I can close my eyes (or ears) to raw and disbalanced metal sound.
![ผัวเถื่อน - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P08ORRVDGl8/mqdefault.jpg)
I really enjoyed this, thank you. Your insights were pretty spot on too, well done.
Yeah, from a symphonic point of view the presence of the metal can be a disappointment, but from a black metal point of view this is as good as it gets. Probably one of the best black metal albums of all time tbh
Unless you're a gatekeeper of "trüe black metal" 😉
Yay, finally Aquilus on the channel! Just mentioned them last week on the one man band theme. Yeah, this is just one guy. Amazing album all throughout, one of my all-time favorites :D But yeah, kinda expected your reaction to the black metal part. Still, great analysis as always.
Too bad that it's not an album reaction. May be you can react to the his only other album, Bellum I, which is pretty recent, came in 2021. It's also great but I like it a bit less.
Griseus certainly would deserve a full album review
In lands of ashes should be right up your alley
Little to no metal, he should like it a lot
Whoop whoop! Aquilus. I discovered this band last year and REALLY enjoyed them. Want to comment for the algorithm. Will reply back when I watch this!
Before watching the entire video-Aquilus is such a special band! Definitely albums that would be worth doing full album reacts on, but that ship has of course sailed with this album.
Glad to see this, this was actually one of the projects I mentioned in the camp of one person projects you'd find interesting.
From the brief acoustic intro through the early parts of the first metal riff this really sounded like a black metal version of Opeth's The Drapery Falls. While it maintains something of Opeth's dark, haunted beauty VS aggressive brutality dichotomy it ends up going places with both elements that Opeth doesn't, especially in the more traditional symphonic/orchestral elements that sound straight out of some modern epic movie soundtrack. I'm usually not the biggest fan of the latter elements except as a spice, but I do think they're quite well done here for what they are. Very interesting track and makes me interested to hear more from the band.
Get out of my head! This is like if Opeth and Nightwish had a baby.....in a van down by the river
My exact thought from hearing that first part.
I've been oscillating between "yep, definitely Opeth" and "nah, not Opeth at all" every five seconds the whole time the song was playing
Totally enjoyed this!
Analysis as well!😊
It’s incredible concept album, you should listen it completely. His works are amazing
So glad this track made it in this week and that it seemed to resonate with you, or at least had plenty for you to dig into! I discovered Aquilus when someone on the Discord recommended them, and was so blown away by this opening track in particular, that I bought both of Aquilus' albums. Aquilus's music just takes me on such gorgeous emotional journeys. And yes, I'm someone who thinks the metal bits are an integral part of what makes this so great 😄
For influences, I found an interview that says some of his classical influences are composers like Chopin and Rachmaninoff. But to me, in this track at least, it seems more reminiscent of videogame OSTs and film scores.
Yup, I get a lot of film score vibes here. I might have to dig into some of their other works and see what's up though. I was pleasantly surprised with this one.
@@CriticalReactions Glad you enjoyed it, but that facepalm when the vocal arrived was epic! :D
Oh my god we got Aquilus on the channel. Can't believe it. I would have chosen a different track but this was my introduction to them as well!
The thing that stands out to me with this band is the piano. The guy is phenomenal. If you want to listen to some tracks for non-reactions that highlight the piano I suggest Loss, The Fawn, or Moon Isabelline. I think Loss does a better job of melding the symphonic and metal aspects, both thematically and sonically.
I find it hard to call the band black metal - in truth this album is probably less than 50% metal. The latest album is a bit more metal in fairness, though I think Griseus is considerably the better album.
Just finished. Really enjoyed the emotions you shared from the piece. To me, this is what standout with Aquilus. Lots of black metal but they explore many other emotions using the orchestra. There was a point where you said it could collapse at any second…I find that knowing there are black metal elements means that it could revolve into madness/anger/hatred/hell at any moment. I also find the use of black metal and it’s elements aren’t always used for the typical BM emotions which is really cool to me.
If you enjoyed this, you might enjoy the albums Of Erthe and Axen pts 1 and 2 by Xanthrochroid.
Totally agree with your take on how the black metal textures are used here
I would love to hear you react to more this album. I know you weren't a huge fan of the metal parts but the back and forth is what I really love about this artist. The second track, Loss, is my absolute favorite
I love Aquilus!!!
Try Latent Thistle from Aquilus. Shows the range of the sound best.
full album review PLS
Aquilus is fantastic. Also, I couldn't help but notice when the song ended that youtube recommended you the album Echoes Of Battle by Caladan Brood. You NEED to react to a song from that album, I'd suggest Wild Autumn Wind, To Walk The Ashes Of Dead Empires or Book Of The Fallen.
one of my favorite artists! this album is a masterpiece
I cannot believe you're reacting to Aquilus!
It's such a celebration! Thanks!
And yes, I agree with you. Metal parts sound weaker than other ones. But I love concept when metal meets with soundtrack landscape. I've never listened to something similar to this. And I can close my eyes (or ears) to raw and disbalanced metal sound.