French doomgaze duo Aetere sharpen their artistic vision with the release of their new single “Cilice” unveiling another fragment of their haunting and deeply introspective sonic world. The track anticipates the band’s debut full-length “Theogonie”, set for release on June 5th, 2026 via Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records on CD and digital formats.

Formed by Alice Ronzini and Johan Sebenne (Ailise Blake, Year of No Light), Aetere operates at the intersection of doom metal gravity, post-punk tension, and shoegaze immersion. Their sound is built on slow-burning structures, monolithic riffs and spectral atmospheres, forging a ritualistic and emotionally charged listening experience.

Conceived during their years in Bordeaux and brought to completion across distance and time, Theogonie captures a period of profound transition. The album channels themes of mythology, existential weight and inner transformation, filtered through a sound that balances oppressive heaviness with fragile, ethereal textures. Literary references to John Milton, William Blake, and classical myth reinforce the record’s conceptual depth.

Visually and sonically, Theogonie reflects a cohesive artistic vision: artwork by Mal De Siglos and layout by Lucia Macip mirror the album’s otherworldly aura, while mastering by Dirk Serries (Vidna Obmana, Fear Falls Burning, Yodok III) enhances its dynamic range, delivering a sound that is both raw and refined.

On “Cilice”, the band further explores its thematic core, embracing tension, vulnerability, and existential struggle. Aetere comments:

"Cilice speaks about punishment, ambition, shame and the complexity of human existence. Parts of its lyrics are from Book I of Milton’s Paradise Lost. We are glad it is now released for everyone to hear."

Reflecting on the album, the duo adds:

"This album is very important to us. It was created when we both still lived in Bordeaux, the Bordeaux we used to know, before the pandemic and before we respectively changed cities. During all those years we never gave up on our project despite all the changes in our lives. It is our first album and we hope it will be the first of many more to come."

With Theogonie, Aetere emerges as a compelling new voice in the modern doom landscape, delivering a debut that is as immersive as it is emotionally resonant.

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