Reviewed by Ian Webber

Although this British-based outfit were formed in 2007 and released an EP two years later, it was not until 2018 that this debut full length release appeared. Ecthirion meld a whole range of styles together to produce a unique blend of metal music. Symphonic metal would probably fit best as a description, but elements of classical, folk and metal all make appearances. In the classically inspired opener "Uproot" I can hear strains of Sacred Warrior as Celso Alves has a similar vocal range and tone to Ray Parra. His voice also sits well against the clean female vocals. "March Of The Risen Dead" has a distinctly Eastern European feel, doom laden at times, but also heavy on folk influences. For straight up metal, "Mortality" fires staccato rhythms and angry guitar work reminiscent of early Tourniquet if aggression is more your cup of tea. This short track then gives way to another change in direction as synths underpin the rock operatic "On Eagles Wings". There is a track to suit everyone on this eight-cut release. Lyrically, the focus is on being light in dark places. Scripture passages are heard as inspiration throughout and production allows the listener to pick up many of these without liner notes. As a package however, the whole is difficult to sum up. Guitars tumble and riff throughout, but lurches between more eclectic styles can seem just a bit odd. There are individual tracks worth listening to, but others could have been put together in a more harmonious and sonically dynamic way. Overall the recording shows much promise. I hope that we do not have to wait another nine years for the next offering.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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