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Gaerea have taken the underground by storm as of late, so I figured now was as good a time as any to look into their self-titled debut EP, released two years before the excellent Unsettling Whispers. Unsurprisingly, this sounds like a less refined version of that album, with less ferocious songwriting, less abrasive musicianship, and a less enthralling atmosphere tying it all together. I've seen the band get accused of being little more than a Mgla ripoff, but while other influences are still present here, they lean on them here more than on later releases, and that does make for a less distinct and engaging sound overall. Having said that, even at this early stage the band had a great ear for moody, enthralling melodies and intricate drum work, and songs like "Pray to Your False God" and "Endless Lapse" show flashes of the brilliance they'd fully display shortly afterwards. This really only pales in comparison to their later releases, and taken on its own it's a great slice of the nihilistic hatred and despair that would go on to make the band the near unstoppable force in Black Metal they are today. Well worth checking out.