REVIEW: Gaerea - Loss
- Danielle Henderson
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
The Portuguese masked collective are set to release their fifth album this week. Loss represents what the band has achieved so far, stretching across all corners of the metal genre to where they are today. Since the band formed in 2016, they have navigated the black metal underground scene and are slowly coming to the surface, with a loyal following and stepping foot into bigger venues. Although the members are faceless, they still somewhat have clear identities, each are named with a Greek letter. We have bassist Rho, guitarist Beta, drummer Xi, guitarist Delta, and vocalist Alpha. Last year saw the band tour with groove metal giants ORBIT CULTURE, and this year they will be taking to the UK and Europe for some headline shows in the autumn.
Taking a side step from the post black metal they are known for, in this album we get to see another side of GAEREA, with haunting melodies and clean vocals. Eager to not become another trying to follow in the footsteps of the likes of BEHEMOTH, the five piece have broken away and discovered their true distinctive sound. The album was recorded in Portugal with long time collaborator Miguel Teroso, reinforcing the moment of evolution the band are undertaking, branching out whilst the roots remain the same.
As Loss begins, Luminary rolls in. Beautiful, reflective and hard hitting all at once. The pacing in this track is really solid and well rounded, setting the bar high for what’s to follow. Where you think it’s going to head into another breakdown it ends, leaving you in a state of anticipation. The last ninety seconds of Submerged are a joy to listen to, with an ethereal quality overlaying both instrumentals and vocals making you feel part of something bigger. The beginning of Hellbound inserts you into what could be a video game soundtrack, before exploding into the first verse. Gut wrenching throughout the track thrashes without abandon, the lyrics hinting to betrayal. Cyclone awakens the clean vocals, which match the sway of the instrumentals perfectly, the guitar riff bending to its needs. As the momentum builds, the track passes back and forth between the urgent screams and delicate singing. The quietness only lifts the emotion, making the screams that more impactful when they kick in.
Following on from Cyclone, LBRNTH is definitely an interesting one. Its electronic instrumental presence is such a switch up you’re questioning if you’re still listening to the same album. But upon a closer listen, it is more an interlude into Nomad, one of the album’s star tracks. Nomad is anthemic, crushing and demanding. Its soaring guitars and pounding blast beats are worth a mention, not forgetting the hauntingly beautiful interlude before launching into the final segment. If any song is going to make it big from the album, it’s this one. And to close we have Stardust, the longest track of Loss. Once again we’re met with clean vocals and this time a soft piano accompanying. “Are you still with me?” the lyrics call out, fitting for the final song. Throughout the piece switches between these softer instants and more intense bursts, overall it works surprisingly well, becoming an immersive story unfolding before you.
Loss presents an unforgettable experience with both lyrical and musical highs and lows. The clean vocals are a welcome addition and why they add a certain element to the sound, they definitely don’t take anything away. In combination with their presence, they allow themselves to be free, exposing themselves to the masses without being known. Loss sees GAEREA settle into a style that is truly their own.
Score: 9/10
Loss will be released on 20th March 2026 via Century Media.
Words: Danielle Henderson
Photos: Chantik Photography
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