IATT - Etheric Realms of the Nigh

IATT is a progressive death/black metal band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who formed in 2008.  Their latest release, “Etheric Realms of the Night,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released five EPs. I reviewed their previous album, 2022’s “Magnum Opus,” when I wrote for Metal Temple and gave it high praise.  A few years later, the band has returned but in what form?  Is their edge dulled?  Or are they still on the path of killer prog?

IATT has crafted quite the album with “Etheric Realms of the Night.”  The problem with prog metal bands is that sometimes after releasing an album as good as “Magnum Opus,” they don’t know where to go.  Some get even heavier and lose the proggy parts that made them so interesting.  Others get lighter with so much prog they just become boring.  IATT focused on their sound and introduced new pathways while injecting their older ones with steroids. 

“Etheric…” seems more focused and by that I don’t mean they cut back on anything, made their songs shorter or started writing more basic structures.  What I do mean is they have taken their precious ambitions and laser focused one each individual element, presenting it in a more cohesive way.  Whereas with “Magnum Opus,” they controlled the chaos, they are now the chaos.  It lives and breathes in a truly cinematic way that feels like the natural next step in their evolution. 

They used a lot of session musicians on this album, each song filled with different ideas on how to approach ambiences, atmospheric leanings, and even some folk-style passages.  There seems to be less session musicians on this album, incorporating Didier Malherbe on flute and Valček on violin.  I like this approach, the idea of the band being more of an actual band that speaks for themselves rather than letting session work fill the space up.  What we have here are two strong additional musicians that complement the music, rather than control it.  

The flute flutters passionately in the opening moments of the first song, “Drift Away.”  It is a bold move to being a metal album in such a way.  Light acoustics join the fray as well, and I’m getting images of autumn dancing in my head.  The cool breeze grows warmer as the drums kick up the energy.  This leads up to black metal, guitars and drums furiously rushing through without destroying anything—the non-metal elements run alongside these extremes, acting as a brother in arms instead of going to war. 

The cleans in the mid-section are great, complimenting the lighter elements while the drums keep the metal rumbling on.  The flute, bass and rhythm guitar join forces after the 3:30 mark for a passage that is imaginative yet catchy as hell.  The lead guitar takes the reins next in a whimsical display of virtuosity.

“Pavor Nocturnus,” trades the light tones for a much darker, bolder beginning that seems cosmic and void-like.  The music drifts further into the reaches while the drums build a crescendo that changes into one of the most vicious moments the band has ever written.  I truly appreciate how comfortable this album is within its dynamics; the band’s shifting from light and dark elements, from metal to outside the box ideas, is always on display but this song really leans into.  The atmospheric passage at the 4:35 is a fine example with how it seems like the coming of a storm then churns itself into a hurricane.

“Quietus,” is one of my favorites on the album.  I love the keys in the beginning and the accompanying extreme metal passages that tower about, monolithic and stark. The flute goes hard (which is a sentence I’d never thought I’d write) and fits in with the vibe of the song so much that if it were removed, I’m not sure how the song could stay together.  The same goes for the violin.  If someone were to ask me how metal could possibly blend in with such instruments, I’d give this song as an example.  

The album ends on with the short-ish instrumental song, “Hypnos,” which feelings like the credit scene of the musical movie I just ‘watched.’  This might like the bolstering of the prior songs, but it is the perfect way to end this journey. IATT never ceases to amaze and “Etheric Realms of the Night,” is another step in their fantastic discography.  Where it will lead to is anyone’s guess, but I know it will be magical.  

Rating: Excellent