Power of Metal.dk Review

Ephel Duath
Hemmed by Light, Shaped by Darkness
Rating
Style: Post Metal
Release date: 19 November, 2013
Playing time: 51:51
 


'On Death and Cosmos' EP in 2012 was a good introduction to this 'Hemmed by Light, Shaped by Darkness', produced by Erik Rutan (See here), where the only original member from 1998 Davide Tiso shares his creativity with his wife Karyn Crisis (vocals), Marco Minnemann (drums) and Bryan Beller (bass). The guitar parts are indeed the backbone here. 

I guess I miss the madness from 'The Painter's Palette' (2003), 'Pain Necessary to Know' (2005) or 'Through My Dog's Eyes' (2009). Well, this new record is less experimental or jazzy, more post metal, sludge or any label approaching. Karyn's raspy voice suits this musical evolution.

Ephel Duath is still complex and original, but with longer songs which perhaps give a better possibility to grip them, and it is a quality if you are not as insane as your humble servant.

So my preference for the previous records has nothing to do with 'Hemmed by Light, Shaped by Darkness' intrinsic qualities: it is just a question of (my twisted) tastes.

Ephel Duath is always in motion. I warmly encourage you to discover this new Cuvée and the previous pieces if you do not already know them.


Tracklist
01. Feathers Under My Skin
02. Tracing the Path of Blood
03. When Mind Escapes Flesh
04. Within This Soil
05. Those Gates to Nothing
06. Through Flames I Shield
07. Hemmed by Light
08. Shaped by Darkness
Label: Agonia Records
Distribution: Agonia Records
Reviewed by: Philippe Leconte
Date: 7 January, 2014
Website: Ephel Duath @ Facebook