Album Review : Eren Ayıntap “ The Codes In The Stones”
Some albums
aim to entertain; others aim to decode something larger than themselves.
The Codes In The Stones, the new concept album by independent metal
artist Eren Ayıntap, firmly belongs to the latter category. Released on
January 1st, 2026, the record is an ambitious and carefully crafted journey
through ancient civilizations, cosmic mythology, and humanity’s forgotten
origins, merging melodic power metal, symphonic grandeur, and progressive
dynamics into a cohesive sonic narrative.
From the
very first moments of The Codes In The Stones (Part I: Göbeklitepe),
Ayıntap establishes the album’s cinematic scope. Monumental riffs collide with
sweeping orchestration, while a powerful and melodic female vocal
performance rises above the instrumentation with commanding presence. The
track feels ritualistic and expansive, setting the conceptual foundation for
the album’s exploration of megalithic sites and lost knowledge. This sense of
scale continues seamlessly into Origins, a more direct yet emotionally
charged composition that balances accessibility with depth, driven by memorable
melodies and a strong narrative pulse.
The album unfolds like a carefully structured myth. The Codes In The Stones (Part II: Karahantepe) deepens the atmosphere with progressive shifts and darker tonal shades, while Silent Machine: Marvel of Design II introduces more mechanical, modern textures without sacrificing the organic weight of the guitars. Throughout the 10-track journey, the production remains exceptionally polished, allowing every layer—from orchestral arrangements to devastating guitar solos—to breathe and hit with precision.
One of the
album’s greatest strengths lies in its respect for the codes of melodic and
symphonic metal. Tracks like Sons of The Fallen and I Rise, I Fly
deliver soaring choruses, emotionally charged vocal lines, and solos that feel
both virtuosic and purposeful. The riffs shift between progressive complexity
and more relaxed, atmospheric passages, creating dynamic contrasts that keep
the listener fully engaged. There is a clear understanding of when to unleash
power and when to pull back, letting melody and mood take the lead.
Conceptually,
3I/ATLAS and Behind The Eleven lean heavily into the album’s
science-fiction and cosmic themes, evoking celestial movement and existential
questioning. These tracks feel like bridges between ancient stone circles and
the vastness of space, reinforcing Ayıntap’s core idea: history and the future
are deeply intertwined. The closing stretch, particularly When They Are Gone
and Better Days Will Come, adds a reflective and almost hopeful
emotional layer, grounding the album’s grand themes in human emotion.
Following the international traction of A Timeless Echo, The Codes In The Stones feels like a confident and mature evolution. It is not merely a collection of songs, but a fully realized conceptual experience—one that rewards attentive listening and repeated exploration. For fans of melodic, power, and symphonic metal who value narrative ambition, strong vocals, and immersive world-building, this album stands as a compelling and memorable release at the dawn of 2026.
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