Ephel Duath are unique, to put it lightly. Their drummer is an old jazz player who has no previous experience in metal. Their bassist is a progressive virtuoso. Their clean vocalist likes to imitate Jeff Buckley, while their other vocalist pumps out screams that would work in both extreme metal or hardcore bands. They use trumpets and synthesisers. But it isn't just their instrumentation and members that makes them unique, it's also their sound. This is certainly one of the most unique bands to come out of Italy in a long time. Approach them with an open mind.
Ephel Duath are:
David Tiso - Guitar, Songwriting
Fabbio Fecchio - Bass
Luciano Lusso George - Screamed Vocals
Davide Piocesan - Drums
Maurizio Scomparin - Trumpet
David Tolme - Clean Vocals
http://www.ephelduath.net/images/gallery/eph6b.jpg
Online: www.ephelduath.net
Ephel Duath's album is one of the wierdest metal albums to come out in a long time (though it is easily accessible). Mixing styles like black metal, hardcore, jazz, hip-hop, post-rock and even elements of classical, it would be easy for this album to come out as a terrible mess. However, the album works very well and what's more, it flows together as a concept album. While there are plenty of laid cack grooves on the album, there is just as much ferocious energy being unleashed.
Not only does "The Painter's Palette" deliver in the experimentation department, as well as the musicianship department, it also delivers in the songwriting department. Founding member and guitarist, David Tiso handles all of the songwriting duties and it is clear that his songwriting has come a long way since the first demo, "Opera". After giving this album a few solid listens, it will become clear to the listener that Tiso is a brilliant, brilliant person. The way he mixes his styles and makes them flow as if it is the way the songs are meant to sound, is incredible.
The album kicks into it with the track "The Passage". The song starts with some clean jazzy guitar parts. Just when the listener starts to kick back and groove to the song, a heavy distorted guitar riff and a very jazzy trumpet over the top. As soon as the listener gets into that part of the song, it cuts out again. This time, Luciano starts screaming "I've a thousand ways to ruin all!!!". After listening to this track, the listener starts to get an idea of what they will experience in listening to this album. This album isn't just jazz influenced like some of the band's peers, this album is a true fusion of jazz and metal. Every aspect of this album is excellent. Ephel Duath have managed to release a near masterpiece. All that is needed is open minded listeners.
Pros
- Totally unique and extremely interesting
- Great musicianship, especiallu from the trumpet and bass
- Perfect vocals
- Great to both headbang to and sit back and tap your feet
Cons
- Screaming will put people off, even though half of the album is unscreamed
- Jazzy parts may put off metalheads
Reccomended Tracks
The Passage (watch the video at the band's website)
Praha
Labyinthine
FINAL RATING: 4.3/5
