AION

If DCD merited their inclusion due to one and only one album, it would be this one, well above the previous works, while the following would indeed take on where this one left it. By the time of Aion, their fifth album, DCD had completed their metamorphosed although they would never stop morphing further. By now, the duo's music was completely entrenched in pre-classical music, far into European medieval folklore, with touches of ambient music. Graced with a Jerome Bosch-like artwork, Aion is simply DCD's most spectacular work.

Right from the almost A Capella (just a few drum beats) and polyphonic intro of Arrival, you just know that DCD has progressed another notch from Serpent's Egg. The following Satarello plunges deeply into medieval and baroque music, much like Emma Myldenberger or Gryphon would, remaining as close to the original spirit. This trait of character will remain for the duration of the album, as there are no obvious synthesizers, nor other rock instruments throughout the 12 tracks. At the most is there a synth in the back of the vocals of Black Sun (one of the album's many highlight, but one of my fave), with interesting drumming and Lisa Gerrard's voice perfectly fitting the medieval spectrum.

There is a sense of repetition of themes already heard over the length of the album, but nothing tiresome, but ultimately the spirit of perfection and correct rendition of medieval ambiances pervades and the album is a pure joy for those enjoying older and acoustic instruments. All the more comforting is that the gothic epithet takes its historical meaning, closing on the real gothic music (as in pre- classical) instead of the romantic gothic literature or its embarrassing black lipstick rock equivalent.

Easily DCD's best album, as far as this writer is concerned, AION has nowadays been agreed upon as their definitive statement as far as their first period is concerned. Of course, the group's following era will have plenty of excitement, but in a more ethnic feel, andshould just be as easily accepted by progheads not looking for overly complex music.

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