Reviewed by Seth Metoyer, The Metal Onslaught
Jonava strikes back with their latest offering, Heaven Empyreal, an EP that pushes the boundaries of black metal while staying true to their roots. The Tennessee / Lithuania duo has clearly put significant effort into perfecting their sound, delivering four tracks that strike a powerful balance between aggression and subtlety. What truly shines here is their sharpened approach to songwriting, with each song charging ahead at full speed while preserving the raw power and atmospheric depth that defined their earlier work.
One of the standout features of Heaven Empyreal is the seamless fusion of blistering black metal vocals and music with cleaner vocal passages, all interspersed here and there with piano flourishes. This contrast adds an unexpected yet welcome layer of complexity to the tracks, helping to elevate the band’s sound beyond traditional black metal without compromising its core identity. It’s a perfect blend of the unrelenting and the refined, making this EP a true standout in the black/un-black metal scene this year.
With so many releases flooding the scene, Heaven Empyreal holds your attention, leaving you wanting more. And though I’m usually one to lament the state of full-length albums in today’s digital age, I find myself appreciating EPs more and more—especially ones like this, where the quality and substance are undeniable. Just when you think you’ve soaked in every note, Jonava will likely be back with more, keeping their fans on their toes and eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
If you’re a fan of black metal with a twist, Heaven Empyreal is a must-listen.
Rating: 4.0/5
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