Epoch (Promo 2010)

This little EP is what would happen if ever there was to be a band with Andre Olbrich on guitars and Abbath on vocals. The music is very melodic and simple especially due to the heavy use of pianos. But did I say that it is bad thing? Not at all. This EP represents what best can be described as melodic black metal. The highlight is the high caliber composition and songwriting .The songs are highly simple yet they are tremendously effective. The pianos also add to the music and create an excellent atmosphere.

The guitar work is simple yet quite good. The guitar melodies used mostly belong to power metal. The vocal work is standard black metal vocal work. The drum work is again quite good. The pianos are played well and they play their part efficiently. The production is amazing. The guitars are mixed superbly and so are the pianos. The pianos do not interfere with the actual heaviness of the songs.

So moving on to the individual songs;

1. Corruption Of Flesh And Soul: We start with excellent catchy riffs. The song picks up pace rather quickly. The guitar melodies used are just wonderful. At the one minute mark we have a fine interlude. Around the #:35 mark the pace changes dramatically which very nicely done.

2. Cold Sight: This one starts with a good piano intro which takes us straight into heavy and rough guitar melodies. The pace changes in the song are good, and despite being over seven minutes in length it does not get boring. Around the 5th minute mark we have another fine interlude.

3.Sacrifice The Source Of Life: The song opens with an amazing piano solo, which goes for about one and a half minutes . The riifs are once again excellent and so are the guitar melodies. The pianos also create an excellent epic effect. The song is basically midpaced but doesn't get boring. At the seventh minute mark the pace increases several notches, though for a short time. The song ends as it started with the piano solo.

Though the music may be highly melodic for gentlemen listening to regular black metal, but this EP is excellently crafted. The music is highly enjoyable and that is it's greatest strength. So this EP is not only recommended to fans of black metal music, but for all every other guy who listens heavy metal.