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After leaving the high-profile metal band Cradle of Filth in '99, guitarist Stuart Anstis had the freedom to explore a different realm of tastes on his own. Aphelion is the result of this studio exploration. This is clearly not the sort of side project that will attract the bulk of it's following from the artist's previous work, as it doesn't have even the faintest aftertaste of metal. Anstis has veered off into electronic terrain, with a variety of beats, samples and programming leading the way.

Some tracks have a middle eastern flavour to them, evoking a sound vaguely reminiscent of Muslimgauze. Sampled female vocals contribute to this impression, fitting the beats well and adding some nice melodies to the hard percussion. The upbeat drums sound heavy and live -- one of the more conventional aspects of the release.

Cradle of Filth is a project loathed by black metal purists, which should be something that Aphelion avoids with electronic fans since the project is a collage of many styles and influences to begin with. This is a short release, at just over 30 minutes, but it's more than enough to prove he's not just a one trick pony and definitely has skills outside of the black metal genre.