New Music Review: ARIES DESCENDANT ‘From The Ashes Of Deceit’

ARIES DESCENDANT 'From The Ashes Of Deceit' - COVER PHOTO

Rating: 9 / 10 Stars

ARIES DESCENDANT is: Jonah Weingarten (keyboards/orchestration), Nicklas Sonne (vocals/guitars/bass)

GUEST MUSICIAN: Tina Guo (cello)

REVIEW – Symphonic metal finds new life in From The Ashes Of Deceit, the debut album from ARIES DESCENDANT, released on October 18, 2024, via Frontiers Music Srl. A collaborative project between Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze, Catalyst Crime) and Nicklas Sonne (Defecto, Evil Masquerade), the album blends cinematic orchestrations, powerful vocals, and intricate metal compositions into an evocative and immersive experience.

Opening with the title track, From The Ashes Of Deceit sets the tone with sweeping classical melodies that envelop the senses. Aflame The Cold follows, pulling the listener into an emotional whirlwind with its haunting keys and soaring vocals. Oblivion transports the mind to distant landscapes, fusing ethereal symphonies with crushing riffs. Symphony Of Demise stands as one of the album’s strongest moments, delivering majestic arrangements, thunderous drumming, and anthemic vocal performances.

Moira dives deep into introspection, with its melancholic piano passages and beautifully layered instrumentation. Downfall takes the listener on an emotional rollercoaster, its dynamic shifts capturing moments of tension and resolve. Renewal Of Hope ignites a sense of empowerment, building toward a dramatic climax that showcases the duo’s ability to craft grand, sweeping melodies. Mechanical Ascendance ups the ante with blistering guitar work, pounding rhythms, and commanding vocals.

As the album nears its conclusion, Echoes Of Betrayal builds to a breathtaking crescendo, weaving together orchestral layers with a relentless metal backbone. Closing track The Heart Of The Forest, featuring renowned cellist Tina Guo, is a mesmerizing finale that lingers long after the final note, blending cinematic grandeur with a deeply introspective tone.

From The Ashes Of Deceit is a stunning debut from ARIES DESCENDANT, proving that symphonic metal is still capable of innovation and emotional depth. With its rich orchestrations, powerful vocal delivery, and immersive storytelling, the album stands as a defining statement from two musicians at the top of their game.