From the first seconds of the introducing Lux Ex Tenebris, which is spiced up with classic ingredients, I assumed that Kodex V could be an outstanding album,
AEBA manage to combine many ideas and elements on this work without sounding chaotic. In addition the musical artists are able to juggle with all kinds of different speeds from fast-as-an-arrow up to borne parts. This tactic is used during the quite long track More Than Hate, which offers more than simply high speed according to its title. In the beginning, AEBA take off with a mid tempo paced chord, accompanied by harsh vocals of singer Isegrim, presenting his vocals in German and English. Of course the tunes are really fast from time to time, but a short bass solo cares for alternation and suspense. The melodies ameliorate all songs and so this album turns out to be real joy in listening. Filigree guitar work and detailed arranged compositions are another brownie point. Sometimes sluggish parts are intertwined, just made for banging one’s head. Consequently the presentation live on stage must be big pleasure for the band as well as for the fans!
After that, the song Nemesis – Lass Sie Brennen comes across in more traditional style, because in this case the hammer reigns, but without forgetting about melodies. Yeah right, a break loosens up the structure with mid tempo rhythms in surprising manner.
A bit later a very calm beginning combined with distorted spoken voice enriches Seven Souls, ere the band unleashes an apocalyptic storm announced by another short bass solo. This song features a striking, intensely screeched refrain and let’s flash through an oriental-like guitar melody. Many finesses and adeptly elaborated elements are interspersed inviting for an acoustic expedition.
The horde gets even better from track to track and plays unleashed in creative manner the longer Kodex V lasts. This is proved by deadly grooving The God Below with sinister sentiments and an interesting, quite borne middle part. Elegiac guitar chords enthuse and prepare the path for a bombastic conclusion after nine fascinating minutes
In the end, the final track King Or Slave deserves the title of world class, because the intoxicating Black Metal of these five musicians commands my deepest respect. Especially the melodic but at the same time explosive guitar work pleases me. After neck-breaking butchery a stamping and bombastic middle part captivates; the final tunes are dominated by bassist Exul with distinctive performance.
Unfortunately the last measures only present cheeping sounds to elongate the playing time up to devilish 66:06 minutes :)

This is the one and only blemish – apart from that Kodex V is a convincing, surprising strong and paramount masterpiece!