Black Autumn - Aurora

cynnedcynner

Review by Cyn Lim

Album Review: Aurora by Black Autumn (2010) Black Autumn’s Aurora is a haunting journey through the realms of Doom Metal, Depressive Black Metal, and Atmospheric Black Metal. Released in 2010 under Bylec-Tum Productions and self-released channels, this Italian-German collaboration delivers an experience that feels both deeply personal and overwhelmingly vast. With Michael Krall handling everything from vocals to lyrics, instruments, photography, and even some of the production work, it’s clear this project was a labor of love—or perhaps obsession. The artwork by G.G. perfectly complements the bleak yet mesmerizing tone of the album. The record opens with "Aion," a track that immediately sets the mood. It’s slow, crushing, and atmospheric—a sonic representation of wading through a foggy forest at midnight. The riffs are heavy enough to make your chest vibrate, but there’s also a melodic layer that sneaks up on you, almost like sunlight trying to break through storm clouds. What makes "Aion" memorable isn’t just its raw power; it’s how Krall’s vocals sit somewhere between a growl and a lament, as if he's channeling centuries of despair into each word. This duality—beauty buried within ugliness—is what keeps me coming back to this song. Another standout is “Lightning Goeth From Fire,” which leans more into traditional Black Metal territory while still maintaining that depressive edge. The drumming here is relentless, driving the track forward like an unstoppable force of nature. But again, it’s the interplay between aggression and melody that stands out. Around the three-minute mark, the music shifts unexpectedly, introducing a softer, almost ethereal section before plunging back into chaos. That moment feels like catching your breath only to realize the storm hasn’t passed—it’s just waiting for you. Tracks like these remind us why Black Autumn deserves attention in the underground metal scene. One thing worth noting is the inclusion of several instrumental bonus tracks, such as "Margaritae Sorori" and "Black Autumn." These pieces add texture to the album without overstaying their welcome, acting as brief respites from the emotional intensity of the main songs. They’re not filler—they feel intentional, almost like pauses for reflection amidst the cacophony. What strikes me most about Aurora is how cohesive it feels despite spanning multiple subgenres. Whether you’re drawn to the oppressive weight of Doom Metal or the icy atmospheres of Black Metal, there’s something here for you. The fact that one person—Michael Krall—was responsible for so many aspects of the album adds another layer of intrigue. It’s impressive, sure, but it also makes me wonder: did creating something so dark take a toll on him? Or was it cathartic? In conclusion, Aurora is not just an album—it’s an experience. If you’re looking for easy listening, this ain’t it. But if you want music that challenges you, pulls you into its world, and leaves you feeling unsettled yet strangely satisfied, give it a spin. And hey, maybe don’t listen alone late at night unless you’re okay with existential dread creeping in. Who knew Italy and Germany could team up to create something so chillingly beautiful?

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: black-autumn-aurora.zip
  • MP3 size: 88.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 687.6 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
The Threefold Life
The Threefold Life (Instrumental Bonus)
Ungrund
Black Autumn (Instrumental Bonus)
Seven Spirits
Margaritae Sorori (Instrumental Bonus)
Paradigma
Dawn In Rising
Aurora
Aion
Lightning Goeth From Fire
Seven Spirits (Instrumental Bonus)

Images

Album herunterladen Black Autumn - Aurora
lataa albumi Black Autumn - Aurora

Catalog Numbers

BTP 019

Labels

  • Bylec-Tum Productions
  • Self released

Listen online

  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ouvir online
  • online luisteren
  • lyssna på nätet
  • écouter en ligne
  • ascolta in linea
  • escuchar en línea
  • lytte på nettet
  • online anhören

Formats

  • Cassette
  • Album
  • Limited Edition
  • Numbered

Credits

RoleCredit
Artwork ByG.G.
InstrumentsMichael Krall
VocalsMichael Krall
Lyrics ByMichael Krall
PhotographyMichael Krall

Notes

  • Recorded and mixed during 2009 at the Lair.
  • Limited to 333 hand numbered copies.
  • Features 4 instrumental bonus tracks not on the CD version.

About Black Autumn

Black Autumn is an atmospheric/depressive black metal band founded in Hemer, Germany in the fall of 1995. The band was conceived as a collaboration between vocalist and multi-instrumentalist . In the late 1990's, TH left the band and Black Autumn underwent a hiatus until 2002 when Michael Krall revived the band alone; thus making him the sole member of the band and not a solo project. In the mid-2010's, Black Autumn relocated from Hemer to Dortmund, Germany.

Members

  • Michael Krall
  • TH

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: the album *Aurora* by Black Autumn is like a one-person masterpiece. Michael Krall did almost everything—playing instruments, singing, writing lyrics, even handling photography and some of the artwork. It’s a mix of Doom Metal, Depressive Black Metal, and Atmospheric Black Metal, which gives it this heavy yet haunting vibe. Released in 2010 across Italy and Germany, the album has bonus instrumental tracks that feel like hidden gems. If you’re into deep, moody music, this one’s worth checking out.