Erebus - On The Edge Of Perdition
After a successful debut back in 2009, Netherland's Eerebus are ready to strike again with their death metal fury. Like before, their sound is balanced and heavily groovy, but there are a few additions as well. For those who are not familiar with them, much of the music here is comprised of thick, mid paced chugs that are cleanly produced without too much of a distorted buzz so it doesn't feel like a Dismember clone. With the vocal work- a manageable snarl- one could consider Erebus to be compared to the likes of Grave or (newer) Cryptopsy. Sometimes there are some layered higher pitched vocals involved, but mostly expect the growling. Tracks like "No Shade Of Grey" are aggressive and repetitive in the way they grind along, but sometimes there will be a sudden burst of energy where everything just goes blindingly fast like a grindcore song before slowing down again. Others like "Underdogs" are more steady throughout and have some thrash-tinged rhythms in the riffs.
"With Every Insufferable Attempt" really lends a riff or two from the thrash, or even nu-metal, category with how the music takes preference more towards death rock n' roll than anything else and then delves into a more groove metal territory as the tone of the guitars become harsher and more brutal. The vocals even take on a more guttural presence and just steamrolls anything that gets in its way. It's a great track. "Protagonist" may seem like the average death metal track, but also includes a subtle, electronic backing beat that can be heard for a second or two in the beginning before getting shrouded by the guitars. It's nowhere near industrial territory, but the slight nod is applauded for experimentalism. However, the most experimental track would be the last one, "All Minds As One." It starts out heavy but thins out before a very soft, atmospheric closer with an acoustic sound amongst creepy keyboards and just the perfectly terrifying atmosphere to settle things out, almost like an Opeth song, before everything picks up again briefly for one more blow to the ear before silencing forever.
Fans who have already heard of Erebus before will have no problem getting into this album if they liked the first one. New fans should also begin with 'On The Edge Of Perdition' because it is a much more mature effort that smooths out all the rough edges from the debut and gives full access to every members' talent behind the instrument. A fine piece of death metal glory for any who like the genre.
"With Every Insufferable Attempt" really lends a riff or two from the thrash, or even nu-metal, category with how the music takes preference more towards death rock n' roll than anything else and then delves into a more groove metal territory as the tone of the guitars become harsher and more brutal. The vocals even take on a more guttural presence and just steamrolls anything that gets in its way. It's a great track. "Protagonist" may seem like the average death metal track, but also includes a subtle, electronic backing beat that can be heard for a second or two in the beginning before getting shrouded by the guitars. It's nowhere near industrial territory, but the slight nod is applauded for experimentalism. However, the most experimental track would be the last one, "All Minds As One." It starts out heavy but thins out before a very soft, atmospheric closer with an acoustic sound amongst creepy keyboards and just the perfectly terrifying atmosphere to settle things out, almost like an Opeth song, before everything picks up again briefly for one more blow to the ear before silencing forever.
Fans who have already heard of Erebus before will have no problem getting into this album if they liked the first one. New fans should also begin with 'On The Edge Of Perdition' because it is a much more mature effort that smooths out all the rough edges from the debut and gives full access to every members' talent behind the instrument. A fine piece of death metal glory for any who like the genre.
- Through The Darkest Day
- Myself And Nothing
- On The Edge Of Perdition
- No Shade Of Grey
- With Every Insufferable Attempt
- Underdogs
- The Protagonist
- All Minds As One
Self released
Reviewer: Colin McNamara
May 21, 2011
May 21, 2011
Next review:
Beyond Helvete - Self-Therapy
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