Profound Lore Records has unveiled On The Promise Of The Moon, the second full-length from Reeking Aura, a collective formed by current and former members of Grey Skies Fallen, Buckshot Facelift, Thætas, Afterbirth, Trog, Artificial Brain, and others.
Although its members are seasoned veterans of the New York City/New Jersey underground, Reeking Aura is far from a side project. Their sound blends immersive atmospheres, technical precision, and infectious melodies atop a foundation of East Coast brutal death metal.
The lineup for On The Promise Of The Moon features returning members guitarists Terrell Grannum (Thætas) and Rick Habeeb (Grey Skies Fallen, Buckshot Facelift), along with vocalist William Smith (Afterbirth, Buckshot Facelift, ex-Artificial Brain). New additions drummer Hudson Barth (Trog) and bassist TJ Coon (Trog, Sentient Horror) contribute to the writing process, giving the record fresh energy while maintaining the band’s signature intensity.
Tracked at OK Recording Studios in Kinderhook, New York, the album was mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö (Bloodbath, Edge Of Sanity, Grey Skies Fallen) and features cover art by Moldovan painter Ion Carchelan. Guest appearances include vocalists Eston Browne (Vulnificus) and Jon Berg (The Path), with string arrangements by Ben Karas (Slaughtersun), adding layers of dark, melodic atmosphere.
On the lead single “What Only Worms Witness”, Smith explains: “Lyrically, ‘What Only Worms Witness’ is a contrasting depiction of both the ugliness of physical death and the melancholy optimism of enduring legacy.
“Like many songs on the album, it reflects on grudges, the passing of time and paying homage to the deceased. Writing for this song was spearheaded by bassist TJ Coon, showcasing Reeking Aura‘s dedication to brutal New York death metal combined with dark melodies and atmosphere.”
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