http://www.metalteamuk.net/may10reviews/cdreviews-ecnephias.htm
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Artist: Ecnephias
Title: Ways Of Descention
Type: Album
Label: Code666 [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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Ecnephias. A Greek meteorological term for a Mediterranean thunderstorm. Somehow such a name seems rather fitting for this band. Musically you have a stormy compound which takes myriad elements; black, death, doom, gothic, symphonic, and blows them around in the mix. They are certainly not a band you could easily categorise; of course these types of bands are split right down the middle the ones that think they are being really clever by pooling together a diverse range of styles but ultimately just sound like an inexperienced band with no direction
and those that pull it off and create something that really makes you go ooh. Ecnephias are definitely in that latter category and despite incorporating a number of styles and elements the album succeeds in sounding consistent and focussed. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]Never mind the racial slur, Secrets Of A Black Priest marches in grimly dressed in hooded robes and with an ominous, creepy riff. There is a religious feel to this and it is a theme that is recurring throughout the album with apocalyptic choirs and for example the pompous church organ that booms out on the chorus of Empty Cold Veins. True to its name there are some cold riffs blasting their way through on this one, which drops down into a slow, winding passage where a gothic jangly guitar plays out above a crunching metal backdrop. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]There is an oddly placed beep at the start of Twist Of Personality that I have to wonder whether it is intended to be in the song or if it just a label precaution. Beyond Suspicion utilises some relentless drum patterns and there is a swaggering riff that dominates the verse. The swooshing keyboards writhe in the mix creating a real creepy atmosphere which I liken to a demon skulking around in an underground passage. The keyboards are really effective on this album, for example, on Eternally Bound they create a dramatic sweeping effect and as you hear the distant cries of help me spiralling through the vortex you really get the impression of someone being trapped for eternity. The vocals on this one have me drawing a comparison to Septic Flesh pronounced death growls stating you shall forever be bound over a slow, grandiose chorus. Everything comes to an abrupt ending, and in its own time a calm, classical piano piece leads the way into the next track, sounding quiescent and wondrous with a melody reminiscent of Griegs Morning. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]At times the gruff vocals arent the most inspired, but the deep, sonorous bellows in the other hand are superb. They really add to the atmosphere they are trying to create and am drawn to make a comparison to Vintersorg as they have that rich quality to them. A Goblin influence shines through on Il martirio di San Lucifero which, with a roll of thunder, takes us to a haunted house as we feel the rumbling from below and a foggy ambience surrounding and they really know how to paint a picture with the music. The next number Marilenes Lustful Whims has an air of romanticism to the chorus, before the verse plods along at a doomy, melancholic pace and the rich vocals spiral off into a Cradle Of Filth-esque jaunt. [/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1]There is a lot going on with this album and on repeated listens new things will leap out at you that you previously hadnt noticed. Its an intriguing listen, and one with plenty of atmosphere that fans of symphonic metal are likely to enjoy. I get the feeling this will either be an album I will tire of fairly quickly or else it will grow on me so much it will end up in my end of year list only time will tell.[/SIZE][/FONT][/SIZE][/FONT]
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http://www.myspace.com/ecnephiaskingdom
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[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][SIZE=-1] Luci Herbert [/SIZE][/FONT]