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- ALBUM REVIEWS -
- E -
- Endstille [2009] Verführer -
Label: Regain Records
Review by Mark Howitt
RATING: 8 \m/
Germany's Endstille have existed for quite some time now, releasing six full length albums, a demo and a split with Graupel since their conception in 2000. Quite a busy band and it really shows on their newest and second release from the maniac's at Regain Records, Verführer.
Notable tracks on Verführer include the destructive opener “Alteration of Roots”, with its unrelenting attack. It’s the perfect opening track to ensure you that Endstille is not fucking around and mean business. “Hate Me…God” stands out amongst the entirety of the album, with it’s slower approach and unorthodox vocal approach. A very unique listen and a definite highlight of the album. Another personal favourite on the album is the ending track “Endstille (Verführer)”. This is a down tuned, slow and sludge soaked anthem and the perfect end to the album. It reminds me of Gorgoroth’s Sign of an Open Eye perhaps, yet still keeps an Endstille essence about it.
From start to finish, this album maintains a quality Black Metal presence which is consistent in it's delivery. Nothing extraordinarily original yet refreshing at the same time seems to be the formula here. What Endstille has going on for them here is nine crushing new songs of searing Black Metal insanity reminiscent of Dark Funeral, Marduk and the like. The riffs are effective and simplistic, with blistering drums and high shrieks from frontman Iblis that sound as though he is tearing apart his own flesh with each scream.
Finding the lyrics for Verführer seems near impossible at this time, however Endstille take influence from War and Anti-Christian ideology. Being from Germany however, and having the opening of the album a clip of Hitler speaking does indeed make one wonder what they are singing about on this album. Definitely not NSBM, but more paying tribute to times of War in general. It really is quite fitting, as the drumming by Mayhemic Destructor at the beginning of the album sounds like a machine gun blasting through an open field of troops ripping apart everything in its path. Ripping, just ripping!
- Enemy Reign [2009] Means To A Dead End -
Label: My Fist, Your Face LLC
Review by Drew DePietro
RATING: 10 \m/
Means to a Dead End is the debut release from debut band Enemy Reign. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, this band consists of an extremely solid line-up.
On vocals we have Sherwood Webber ( ex Skinless), drummer Andon Guenther ( Deadspeak; creative director, programmer, and co-creator of Sick Drummer Magazine) on guitar Nick Guenther (Becoming The Enemy, Masakado) and finally on bass, we have Cassie Begay (Throat Culture/Throcult, Deadspeak).
The EP was self-distributed under the guidance of Webber through various means of distribution; ER's online webstore, digital distributors, and traditional retail outlets. A full length is slated for release in 2010.
As far the EP goes, it starts off with numbingly intense double bass, and some great thrash riffing with "Command". For a first track, this is it. You can't be welcomed to a band much better. A minute into the song, it cuts into a myriad of thrash riffing and vocal hooks. If you don't head bang during this song, you're gonna get eaten alive by the people moshing around you.
At 2:30, the song keeps the same direction, but gets a noticeably more technical tone, once that solo comes in towards the end of the song, it's all over.
"Isolate" the second song off the EP, has the same feel, totally different song, but that same pounding, hooky sound that "Command" had. The only difference however is that "Isolate" leans more towards the death metal end of the spectrum. Especially with the constant blasting, mixed in with the constant riffing on guitar. The song almost feels as though it's picking up speed as it progresses. Just to slow right down at the 4:00 mark. Started off with a great squeel, the song finishes off with a great headbang riff. Quite destructive to say the least.
"Means to a Dead End" the title track for the EP, starts off with a thrashy/punk feel to the guitar, along with some more thrashy off-beat drumming. Quickly after however, the song once again takes on the death metal edge. For a title track, "Means to a Dead End" is definitely good shit. Squeels, Blasting, great vocals, great timing, just an all around awesome song. This song is a perfect indication of the variety of playing styles and influences ER have, and it shows that they break the mould of what your every day standard death metal band does.
"Throw Myself To The Wolves" the fourth track off the EP is practically the definition of death metal. Webbers vocals are phenomenal on the track, and with the intense speed of the drums and guitars on this track, it's remarkeable how well he follows suit with his vocals. This is probably the fastest and maybe the heaviest song on the EP. It's a very memorable track, and it progresses perfectly. I wouldn't doubt it if this ends up being one of the crowd favourites. Nick's solo's are immaculate, and draw in that old school thrash sound with the squeels and bends he pulls off. Great track.
"Abuse" is the final track on this 5 song EP, and after listening to the EP a whopping 7 times in succession. I can't get over this song. Absolutely crushing. Guitar riffs are heavy as fuck, and Andon is beating his drumkit like O.J. Simpson beat his wife. 3:00 into the song (roughly) is my favourite riff on the entire EP. It's just this great tapping scale, and it sounds awesome. Everything about this song blows my mind. I can't even really describe the tone and direction of this song. All I can do is tell you that 4:15 seconds into the song is one of the heaviest rifffs I have ever subjected my ears to. And I would most certainly have to bust some chops in the pit were I to experience this song live.
As a whole. Enemy Reign's debut EP release "Means to a Dead End" is stunning. And anyone to get the chance to experience these monsters of metal tear it up, I am whole heartedly jealous of you. And I hope you tear the shit out of the pit.
This EP is a definite must for any metal head.
Keep The Horns High \m/ \m/
- Empyrean Plague [2009] Ancestral Embers Shall Burn -
Label: Archaic North Entertainment
Review by Kayla Beasley
RATING: 8.5 \m/
Viking/folk metal band, Empyrean Plague, has been keeping us at attention for nearly 7 years now and has gone through several different line-ups of instrumentalists. It began with guitarists Turmoil and Pawn who sought out for others of like talents to discover percussionist Treachery and bassist Dertah, from Vanquished. After their first album was complete, Dertah returned to Vanquished as Empyrean Plague retrieved their awaited remaining link Unborn. In 2003 they began recording their full length album “Conquering the Elements”, and with time Pawn left the band and Unborn then claimed guitar loyalties. With time they found Keltisch to enrol for bass duties and they pursued their melodic harmonies producing “Ancestral Embers Shall Burn”.
From their first album to the present there is a clear progression and overall growth of the band. There is a great maturity from their past albums and their sound seems to be more confident. With this coalesce of band members, and founded solitude, Empyrean Plague is stronger than ever and is clearly headed on the right path for success. The evolution of their rhythms and beats from “Conquering the Elements” to “Ancestral Embers Shall Burn” is phenomenal. They have a much clearer and crisper sound with natural earthen tones and spiritual realisations.
When I first heard AESB I was overly impressed with each track’s synchronization and the vast array of intricate drum sequences, enthralling riffs and musical patterns. Treachery’s thunderous and expeditious rhythms create a quick pace and assist in the defibrillation and fierce quality of their tone. Keltisch demonstrates his musical inclination well by manipulating the four strings to enhance main riffs and beats giving the illusion of a deeper six stringed instrument. Turmoil sets the tone with distorted notes and rhythmic mesmerisation. With both clean and harsh guttural growls he literates exceptionally and creates a diverse atmosphere for their resonance. Unborn also uses his compelling crisp notes to complete their sound to the fullest, picking wildly with dedication.
From the beginning of the album, right through to the end, there are catchy riffs and patterns making it an easy album to listen to and get into. When I listened to this album for the very first time I definitely enjoyed it, and as I continued to listen to it repeatedly the album seemed only to get better and better. Small details within the tracks that I hadn’t noticed before became evident and the amount of time and soul that inspired the album were then fully demonstrated. The second track on the album, “Our Horizon Calls,” is a great example of endurance, speed, and catchy melodic riffs. This track takes us through many different musical components as well as a variety of assorted riffs and vocals. The album finishes amazingly with and inspirational track, “We are the North.” This song alone completes the album and gives the band the label they have today, proudly representing Archaic North Entertainment. “We are the North,” starts very slowly and forces you to search within and connect with the northern atmosphere as well as the surrounding elements.
As a whole, the band is rapidly improving and we’re all looking forward to their upcoming tracks, only the best is to come with vivacious developing talent. \m/
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