Ater is a Latin adjective that has several meanings – dull black, dark, gloomy, sad, dismal, malevolent, obscure and it somewhat fitting for the Santiago, Chile band that has stake their name as such.
Originally conceived in 2010 as Aeons Collide, the band underwent a transformation in 2013, emerging as Ater under the guidance of multi-instrumentalist Fernando “Feroz” Bühring. With their debut album, Eternal Gray Spiral,laying the groundwork for Ater’s brooding sound, their sophomore album Somber continues the dark and heavy. With Josh “Sol” Seguin and Stephan “Kalani” Seguin on guitar and drums, respectively, Ater has delivered a sonic onslaught that is brutal and dark.
Recorded during the chaos of the Covid pandemic, Somber delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche, blending elements of black and death metal with progressive intricacy and Meshuggah-inspired grooves. The album’s low tuning and guttural vocals conjure visions of despair and malevolence, while its heavy mood and unique structuring create an immersive sound journey.
Each track on the album unfolds like a sinister tale, weaving together layers of darkness and despair to form a cohesive and captivating whole. Somber is a haunting exploration of the human condition.
