Over Everything

Since I was highly impressed with Everlasting Dark’s newest work “Lygophobia” and their sophomore demo “Symphony for Death”, I contacted the band to inform if they would be willing to send me their first recording “Over Anything”. And I’m glad they agreed.

Although their first release, the band was already two years old when they released this demo. This experience is clearly shining through, because the playing is already great.

The great violin melodies that are used extensively in their later work are also present here (also in a more limited amount), they are supported by keyboard melodies to create the atmosphere. The heavier use of the keyboard does make the songs sound somewhat happier than I was used to. The band utilizes acoustic guitar parts (sometimes accompanied by sound effects, like the sound of the sea on “Witness of the Destruction” and the classic Doom sound of church bells) to balance the heavier doom parts.

The vocals are not as strong as on their later releases. They are handled almost exclusively by the female vocalist, who sounds somewhat fragile and has a quite high pitched voice (although in no way out of key, but they take some time to get used to).

The production is amazingly good for a debut demo (which I had not been expecting). All in all making this an enjoyable listen and worth having if you are interested in the band’s early years.