A top notch mix of Queensrÿche, Solitude Aeturnus, Marillion, Ghost and My Dying Bride! More epic than epic, with a very strong production and simply beautiful. One thing in advance - this year it is almost certain that no album will come close to Aiwaz’s debut album emotionally. And even in my annual polls over the last ten years, “Darrk... It Is!” would end up at the top of the podium a hell of a lot of times. Now that that’s out of the way, let me describe Aiwaz. Take the most profound musical moments from Solitude Aeturnus, Wheel, Marillion and Warning’s ‘Footprints’ song, and add sensational vocals to everything, which is of course reminiscent of Wheel’s last tour de force “Preserved In Time” (of course, Arkadius sings on both of them combos), but is even a bit stronger, and add on top six fantastic texts that have clearly been worked on for years - the result is a groundbreaking debut for genre fans, which will hopefully cause a sensation and be enjoyed by all taste-safe friends of epic music at the end of the year will end up in the top places. Once you’ve heard ‘The Ghost That Once Was I’, ‘Garden of Despair’ and my favorite ‘When Judas Spins the Wheel’, you’ll never forget them.

Aiwaz, a band born out of the depths of musical exploration, was founded in 2017 by Arkadius Kurek and Timo Maischatz. Their shared vision was to create a space where slow, melancholic melodies could thrive and resonate with listeners on a profound level. The band consists of Arkadius Kurek as the vocalist and lyricist, while Timo Maischatz masterfully plays all instruments, weaving intricate musical tapestries that serve as the foundation for their evocative sound. The Artistic Intent: At the core of Aiwaz‘s ethos lies a commitment to crafting music that transcends mere auditory experience. Their intention is to imbue each composition with a deep emotional resonance, inviting listeners into a world where introspection and contemplation reign supreme. Arkadius‘s poignant lyrics delve into themes of longing, loss, and the human condition, while Timo‘s musical arrangements provide the perfect backdrop for these lyrical explorations. A Symbiosis of Text, Music, and Art: For Aiwaz, the creative process is a harmonious collaboration where every element - from the lyrics to the instrumentation to the accompanying visual art - plays a vital role in conveying their message. Each song is meticulously crafted to achieve a delicate balance between melancholy and beauty, drawing listeners into a transcendent experience where time seems to stand still. Through their music, Aiwaz seeks to create a symbiosis between text, music, and art, allowing each component to enhance and elevate the other, resulting in a truly immersive sonic journey. As Aiwaz continues to evolve and explore new musical horizons, one thing remains constant: their unwavering dedication to creating music that speaks to the soul, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it. With each haunting melody and poignant lyric, they invite listeners to join them on a profound and introspective voyage through the depths of human emotion.

Track Listing:

1. Darrkh... It is!
2. The Ghost That Once Was I
3. In This Silence
4. Cemetary of Hearts
5. Garden of Despair
6. When Judas Spins the Wheel