Aephanemer Utopie CD (Digipak, 2025, Napalm Records)

Utopie is the fourth full-length studio album from the French symphonic/melodic death metal band aephanemer. This powerful fourth chapter from the Toulouse-based trio blends ferocious melodic death metal with sweeping cinematic grandeur and philosophical depth, marking a bold evolution in the band’s sound that both longtime fans and extreme metal collectors will appreciate.

Following the roaring success of A Dream Of Wilderness (2021), Aephanemer pushes their musical boundaries further on Utopie, delivering an ambitious fusion of razor-sharp riffing, relentless tempo, majestic orchestrations, and heavier classical influences. Opening single “La Règle du Jeu” showcases frantic tempos, carnivorous growls and an epic balance of melodic death metal energy and classical arrangements, capturing the essence of the album’s vision.

Led by the commanding vocal presence of frontwoman Marion Bascoul, with Martin Hamiche on guitars, bass and orchestrations and Mickael Bonnevialle on drums, Aephanemer’s Utopie explores mythic themes with philosophical lyrical depth and emotional intensity. The album’s compositions range from blistering melodeath anthems like “Contrepoint” - a high-speed prog-inspired track with intricate melodies - to expansive pieces that fuse orchestral and folk elements into a uniquely ancient yet futuristic sonic landscape.

Recommended if you like: Kalmah, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, Insomnium, Ensiferum, Wintersun, Dark Tranquillity

Artist: Aephanemer
Title: Utopie
Label: Napalm Records
Catalogue number: NPR1355DP
UPC: 0810185190324
Release Year: 2025
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Packaging Type: Digipak
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:

1 Échos d'un Monde Perdu
2 Le Cimetière Marin
3 La Règle du Jeu
4 Par-delà le Mur des Siècles
5 Chimère
6 Contrepoint
7 La Rivière Souterraine
8 Utopie (Partie I)
9 Utopie (Partie II)